The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a challenging balance between building around Luka Dončić for the future and attempting to win now with their current roster, which includes LeBron James. Amid this tension, Dalton Knecht, the 2024 first-round pick, finds himself in a complicated position that could ultimately increase his value with the team.
Knecht joined the Lakers prior to Dončić’s arrival, during the stretch when Anthony Davis was still LeBron’s main partner on the team. Initially, Knecht was drafted to provide much-needed outside shooting off the bench. However, the Lakers’ priorities shifted significantly after acquiring Dončić, prompting L.A. to attempt trading Knecht for Mark Williams before last season’s deadline.
The trade only failed because Williams did not pass his physical, keeping Knecht with the Lakers for the time being.
Changes in Knecht’s Performance Amid Lakers’ New Acquisitions
Since the aborted trade, Knecht has struggled to recapture the sharp shooting he displayed at Tennessee or the form he showed earlier in his rookie year. Meanwhile, the Lakers brought in DeAndre Ayton to strengthen their center position and have steadily adjusted their guard lineup. On Tuesday, Los Angeles added Marcus Smart, who is expected to make a significant defensive impact at guard if he remains healthy.
Marcus Smart joins a list of guards the Lakers have reportedly pursued recently. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that:
The Lakers held conversations with the Grizzlies regarding Caldwell-Pope when Memphis first acquired him,
—Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints
Los Angeles also reached out to the Minnesota Timberwolves about Donte DiVincenzo‘s availability, but the Wolves were not interested at all, sources said.
—Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints
Though the Lakers did not secure deals for Caldwell-Pope or DiVincenzo, their quiet pursuit of guard reinforcements continues. According to Siegel, Malcolm Brogdon still
“remains on their radar should the team free up extra funds in a small consolidation trade.”
Potential Trade Moves Involving Knecht
The possibility of Knecht being included in future trades remains real. The Lakers’ prior attempt to trade him and his dip in performance make him a plausible candidate for packaging in upcoming transactions. Nevertheless, trading Knecht for minimal returns is a mistake the Lakers should avoid. Veteran Lakers reporter Jovan Buha highlighted this concern, saying on his podcast Buha’s Block (as cited by Ryan Stano of SI.com):
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,
—Jovan Buha, Lakers Reporter
That was what I heard in Vegas from talking to multiple people, non-Lakers people, just gauging what would you give for Dalton Knecht?
—Jovan Buha, Lakers Reporter
Why Keeping Knecht Could Still Benefit the Lakers
Moving Knecht hastily, especially after just one season, risks undervaluing a player who still has potential to grow. The Lakers should resist trading him merely to clear a roster spot or as a late-round asset. Despite his recent struggles, Knecht is a former SEC Player of the Year who shot 37.6 percent from three-point range and 46.1 percent overall in his rookie season. His youth and skillset could make him a key piece in a Dončić-focused rebuild.
While Knecht is unlikely to become a championship-changing bench player immediately, his untapped potential remains meaningful. Retaining and developing him could pay dividends for the Lakers beyond the short term, either as part of their future core or as a player with improved trade value down the line.
The Lakers face a difficult decision, but prioritizing Knecht’s growth aligns better with their long-term strategy than trading him for a minor return. Given the current dissatisfaction surrounding his play and stock, investing in his confidence and capabilities might ultimately yield the most benefit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Marcus Smart dye his hair?
A. Smart mentioned, “My mom always appreciated my hair and its different styles, from braids to just letting it grow. When I started dyeing it, she enjoyed that too. She often said she’d love to see me with green hair, but unfortunately, she passed away before it happened.”
Q. Is Marcus Smart a nice guy?
A. He’s known for being direct and honest, which is what I truly appreciate about him. Marcus doesn’t pretend or beat around the bush.
However, many fans don’t see his softer side. In private, he is incredibly kind and caring.