Dalton Knecht showcased a significant breakthrough during the California Classic, culminating in an impressive fourth-quarter comeback to help the Los Angeles Lakers secure a win against the San Antonio Spurs. This performance highlighted Knecht’s progress during the Lakers offseason development as the team looks to build around promising talent.
Knecht’s rookie season was marked by highs and lows. He began 2024-25 as a promising guard but was traded midseason to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal for Mark Williams. Despite this, the Lakers later rescinded the trade, bringing Knecht back, though his minutes diminished during the latter part of the season. As the offseason unfolds, questions linger about Knecht’s role, especially with the Lakers exploring various trade possibilities.
Mentorship and Training Under Head Coach JJ Redick
Dalton Knecht has taken steps to refine his game by engaging closely with Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who is widely recognized as one of the best movement shooters in NBA history. Knecht revealed that he and Redick have met several times since the season ended, focusing on workouts and building communication.
“After the season we had a talk and stuff like that,” Knecht said of his conversations with Lakers coach JJ Redick. “And we’ve been doing a workout. We’ve got lunch and stuff. Just talking and getting to know each other more and then being able to communicate with each other. “That’s the most important thing. Then, obviously, JJ is a great shooter and we’ve just been doing shooting drills and stuff like that. It’s good just getting to the gym with your head coach. Learn from him, because he’s a great shooter as well.” —Dalton Knecht, Lakers Guard
Redick’s influence is seen as valuable for Knecht’s development as a sharpshooter, a role the Lakers hope Knecht can adopt in a manner reminiscent of Redick’s playing style. However, questions about Knecht’s defensive capabilities remain, making his future role on the team uncertain.
Knecht’s Role and Lakers’ Strategic Considerations
Although Knecht’s name continues to surface in trade rumors, the Lakers appear invested in nurturing his skill set given his potential as a role player. His proficiency with shooting drills under Redick’s guidance could translate into more minutes if Knecht remains part of the Lakers roster for the 2025-26 season.
The team’s decision-making this offseason will likely weigh Knecht’s upside against their broader strategy, especially with other players and assets on the trade market. For now, Knecht’s offseason progression and relationship with Redick provide optimism that he could be a useful contributor moving forward.
Reflecting on Knecht’s Rookie Season Achievements
Despite limited playing time in the latter half of his rookie year, Knecht shared several highlights from his debut season on social media, suggesting a sense of pride and readiness for further growth. His flashes of potential during the season remain promising for his future with the Lakers.
As the offseason advances, betting on Knecht’s development will be pivotal for the Lakers, with the hope that the mentorship from Coach Redick and increased experience will culminate in a stronger, more consistent contribution in upcoming campaigns.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money did Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $18,483,220. He is guaranteed $7,829,280, earning around $4,620,805 each year.
Q. How much does Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, worth $18,483,220. The contract guarantees him $7,829,280. Knecht’s average yearly pay is $4,620,805. In the 2025-26 season, he will receive a base salary of $4,010,160. He will also have a cap hit and a dead cap value of $4,010,160 for that season.
Q. Did the bus leave Dalton Knecht?
A. Breaking News: The Los Angeles Lakers’ new player Dalton Knecht might not play against the Utah Jazz because the team bus accidentally left him. The driver confessed he forgot Knecht was still with the Lakers after a canceled trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Q. Why was Dalton Knecht not recruited?
A. During the fall of his sophomore year, he couldn’t play due to academic issues but later became a top basketball player. As a senior, he averaged 21 points and 6.5 rebounds each game. However, he was only 5-foot-6 in his junior year, which made it difficult for him to attract recruiters.