Dalton Knecht’s trade value with the Los Angeles Lakers has declined following a difficult showing in the 2025 NBA Summer League, raising questions about his outlook for the upcoming season. The second-year guard entered the Summer League after an inconsistent rookie campaign, but his performance in Las Vegas failed to meet expectations.
Mixed Performances Mark Knecht’s Summer League Participation
At 24 years old, Knecht began the Summer League with the Lakers at the California Classic, where he had an uneven start but ended the tournament scoring 25 points in the final game. Despite this bright moment, his overall output across the Summer League schedule was inconsistent. In the three Las Vegas games specifically, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, but struggled with shooting efficiency, connecting on just 27.9% of his field goal attempts and 23.8% from beyond the arc.
Although Summer League performances are not definitive indicators, there were higher hopes for Knecht after his promising flashes during his rookie season, especially as a shooter. However, his inability to maintain consistent scoring and efficiency contributed to a growing skepticism among NBA teams assessing his trade value.
Lakers Insider Reports Decline in Knecht’s Trade Value
Jovan Buha, a noted Lakers insider, recently shared insights on Knecht’s diminishing worth in a podcast episode. According to Buha, Knecht is no longer considered a first-round asset in trade discussions. Buha stated,
“Summer League has not helped Knecht’s stock, and I don’t think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick, in terms of an asset valuation. That was what I heard in Vegas from talking to multiple people, non-Lakers people, just gauging what would you give for Dalton Knecht? Or if the Lakers are putting Dalton Knecht in a trade, what is he worth? And the feedback I got was, no longer worth a first-round valuation.” —Jovan Buha, Lakers Insider
This sentiment highlights a shift in perception around Knecht, signaling that teams have reservations about investing high-level assets in acquiring him at this stage.
Lakers Maintain Confidence in Knecht’s Potential Despite Market Doubts
Despite the lukewarm reception from outside teams, the Lakers still seem committed to Knecht’s growth as he prepares for his second NBA season. He demonstrated glimpses of being an elite shooter during his rookie campaign but needs to improve defensively to secure consistent minutes under head coach JJ Redick.
Knecht has shown dedication in the offseason, engaging in three-a-day workout sessions since the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. His willingness to put in extra work indicates a strong motivation to develop and make a meaningful impact in the near future.
Questions remain about Knecht’s long-term place with the Lakers, especially after a near trade to the Charlotte Hornets at the 2024-25 trade deadline, which ultimately fell through. Additionally, reports suggested that the Miami Heat would include Knecht as part of any potential deal for Andrew Wiggins, although the Lakers currently show little interest in pursuing Wiggins.
Offseason Dialogue Points to Growth-Focused Approach
This offseason, Knecht has engaged in multiple conversations with head coach JJ Redick, focusing on areas for improvement heading into Year 2. These discussions underscore the Lakers’ intention to nurture his talents and help him take the next step in his development.
As the Lakers look toward the 2025-26 NBA season, Knecht’s progress will be a significant storyline, both in terms of his own future and the team’s roster decisions. With his trade stock currently down but potential still evident, the upcoming months will be critical for Knecht to demonstrate growth and consistency.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dalton Knecht good?
A. Knecht is tall and handles the ball well. He can shoot from a standstill or while moving beyond the 3-point line. His confidence and long-range shooting ability make him a strong offensive threat.
Q. Why was Dalton Knecht not recruited?
A. During the fall of his sophomore year in high school, he couldn’t play because of academic issues. However, he became a standout basketball player, scoring 21 points and grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game as a senior. Even with these impressive stats, Knecht wasn’t heavily recruited since he was only 5-foot-6 as a junior.
Q. How much money will Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht, a rookie from 2024-2027, signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $18,483,220. The contract includes $7,829,280 guaranteed, with an average salary of $4,620,805 per year. In the 2025-2026 season, Knecht’s base salary will be $4,010,160. His cap hit and dead cap value for that season will also be $4,010,160.