Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has appeared in 72 games this season. Selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, the former Tennessee star has played important minutes for the Lakers throughout the year.
Nearly traded to the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, Knecht returned to Los Angeles after the trade was rescinded due to center Mark Williams failing his physical. Knecht has see his role fluctuate since the rescinded trade, spending time in and out of JJ Redick’s rotation.
This includes Thursday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors when Knecht did not play at all despite being active.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4).
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Back in action on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers will need to go a bit deeper into their bench do to Rui Hachimura being out. Speaking with reporters before the game, Redick announced Knecht will be moved back into the rotation after not playing against Golden State.
“JJ Redick said the Lakers haven’t lost faith in Dalton Knecht despite his decreased role recently and said Knecht will play tonight vs. New Orleans,” Jovan Buha of The Athletic wrote on X.
Not many rookies get the opportunity to play extended minutes on championship contending teams, but Knecht has contributed more than many others in his draft class. Averaging 9.1 points in 19.6 minutes per game, the 6-foot-6 wing has converted on 37.1% of his 3-point attempts.
While Knecht may not be in a fully-healthy playoff rotation for the Lakers, he is a trusted part of the team and will get an opportunity on Friday.