The NBA summer leagues wrapped up recently, offering rookies and fringe players a chance to prove themselves. For Lakers guard Dalton Knecht, who has been on the roster since last year, the hope remains that his lackluster summer league showing won’t define his future. Despite early optimism, Knecht struggled to find consistency in his appearances, casting doubt on his value to the Lakers organization.
Knecht’s summer began at the California Classic in San Francisco, where he struggled to make an impact. The team then moved on to Las Vegas, but his performance failed to improve significantly. Over three games, he averaged 10.3 points while shooting only 27.9% from the field and 23.8% beyond the arc. These numbers followed a rookie season that was similarly uneven, during which he averaged 9.1 points, shooting 46.1% overall and 37.6% on three-pointers.
Concerns Mount Over Knecht’s Future with the Lakers
Knecht was initially seen as a lottery-caliber talent in the 2024 NBA draft but slipped to the No. 17 pick by the Lakers, largely due to worries about his age and defensive ability. His challenges on the court and a potentially diminished role have led to speculation about his standing in the league. Last February, the Lakers contemplated including him in a trade package along with a first-round pick for Hornets center Mark Williams, which suggested the Lakers might value other assets higher.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently noted a steep decline in Knecht’s trade value, especially after his summer league performance. In his podcast, Buha described the shift in how Knecht is perceived:
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,
he said.
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, NBA Analyst
Team Perspectives Remain Supportive of Knecht’s Abilities
Despite these doubts, some within the league continue to see positive aspects in Knecht’s game. An Eastern Conference general manager expressed that the summer league struggles have not fundamentally changed their view of him.
He is a shooter, and he has shown he can shoot,
the GM said.
He needs to show he can do something else to get and stay on the floor, for sure. But his value has not gone anywhere, not based on a few summer games. Once you’re drafted, it does not matter, no one is thinking of you as, ‘You’re a first-round pick, you’re not a first-round pick.’ It’s what you can do to help us win.
—Eastern Conference GM
The same GM added further perspective on Knecht’s potential role in the league going forward:
Knecht can shoot, so that’s his value. He rebounds his position. If he can be a better passer, and not be a big minus defensively, he is going to have a nice NBA career.
—Eastern Conference GM
Looking Ahead: What Knecht Needs To Improve
Dalton Knecht’s experience underscores the volatile nature of summer league evaluations and the challenges of living up to draft expectations. His shooting ability remains his strongest asset, but to secure a stable spot on the Lakers or another NBA team, he must expand his impact beyond scoring. Improving his defense and playmaking could prove essential for him to become a reliable contributor in regular season play.
As teams continue to refine their rosters ahead of the new season, Knecht’s performance in training camps and the regular season will be pivotal in determining whether he can reverse the recent downward trend in his valuation. His case highlights the thin line players tread between potential and permanence in the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dalton Knecht an NBA prospect?
A. Knecht is seen as a possible lottery pick for the uncertain 2024 Draft class. Unlike some players chosen earlier, Knecht might immediately help a team aiming for the playoffs.
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. The contract guarantees him $7,829,280, with an average yearly pay of $4,620,805.
Q. What is Dalton Knecht 2K rating?
A. In NBA 2K25, Dalton Knecht’s Current Version has an overall 2K Rating of 77. He has a Catch & Shoot Ace Build.
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 agreement promises him $7,829,280, with a yearly pay averaging $4,620,805. During the 2025-26 season, his base salary will be $4,010,160, which is also his cap hit and dead cap value.