Despite playing 78 games as a rookie, Lakers’ Dalton Knecht still needs some time to adjust. He averaged 9.1 points per game and shot .376% from beyond the arc.
But things aren’t looking great for the young shooter’s trade value.
During the NBA 2K26 summer league, Knecht’s performance left a lot to be desired. Lakers insider Jovan Budha recently reported that teams around the league are no longer “willing to offer a first-round pick” for the 24-year-old.
It’s a significant drop from how teams viewed him just months ago.
The Lakers selected Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, seeing him as one of the top shooting prospects coming out of Tennessee. During his final college season, he shot an impressive .397% from three-point range.
His rookie year showed just a slight dip to .376% from deep – pretty normal for a player adjusting to the NBA’s faster pace and longer three-point line.
Knecht’s rookie season included some drama too. The Lakers actually traded him to the Hornets in early February in a deal for Mark Williams. But the trade fell apart when Williams failed his physical with LA.
He ended up staying put and playing all 78 games for the Lakers.
This summer was supposed to be Knecht’s chance to show improvement and cement his place in the rotation.
Instead, his summer league performance raised more questions than answers.
After struggling through the California Classic (though he did have one 25-point outburst), Knecht’s numbers in Las Vegas were concerning. He averaged just 10.3 points while shooting a dismal .297% from the field and .283% from three-point range.
Those shooting percentages are nowhere near what you’d expect from someone drafted primarily for his scoring ability.
With the Lakers making several roster additions this offseason, Knecht might find himself buried on the bench. His summer struggles certainly haven’t helped his case for playing time.
Will the Lakers try to move him again? Or will they give the young shooter another chance to develop? With his trade value apparently tanking, they might not have much choice but to be patient.
