If you were scrolling through Twitter—or X, whatever—during the 2024 NBA Draft, the consensus was basically that the Los Angeles Lakers committed highway robbery. Dalton Knecht, the scoring machine from Tennessee, fell right into their laps at pick 17. Everyone expected immediate fireworks. But if you actually look at the dalton knecht game log through the mid-point of the 2025-2026 season, the reality is a lot messier than the draft night highlight reels suggested.
Honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster. One night he looks like the second coming of Klay Thompson, and the next, he's barely breaking ten minutes of floor time.
The Rookie Year Flash (2024-25)
Let's go back a bit. His rookie season started with a ton of promise. We’re talking about a guy who put up 37 points against Denver in a single game—a career high that still stands today. During that 2024-25 stretch, Knecht appeared in 78 games, which is a solid iron-man run for a rookie. He was averaging about 9.1 points per game and shooting a respectable 37.6% from downtown.
People were hyped. JJ Redick seemed to have found his new favorite project. But even then, you could see the cracks. His defense was... well, let's just say it was "work in progress." He had some massive games, like that 27-point night against Portland, but the consistency just wasn't there yet. He’d have three games where he’d combine for 40 points, followed by a week of 2-for-10 shooting performances.
2025-26 Season: The Sophomore Slump is Real
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. The sophomore leap we all wanted? It hasn't quite landed. If you check the recent dalton knecht game log, the minutes have shriveled up like a cheap sweater in the dryer.
Look at the last few games in January:
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- Jan 15 vs. Charlotte: 2 minutes. Zero points. A measly -2 in the plus/minus.
- Jan 13 vs. Atlanta: 15 minutes. He managed 2 points.
- Jan 12 @ Sacramento: 13 minutes. 5 points on 2-of-6 shooting.
- Jan 7 @ San Antonio: 19 minutes. 2 points. He went 0-for-5 from three.
Ouch.
His season average has dipped to about 5.0 points per game. That’s a significant drop from his rookie year. The three-point percentage is hovering around 31.1%, which is a problem for a guy whose primary job is to be a "spacing threat." If you aren't hitting shots and you’re a defensive liability, NBA coaches—even someone like Redick who values shooting—are going to lose patience.
Why the Minutes are Vanishing
It’s not just about the missed shots. Redick has been pretty vocal lately, saying that Knecht won't be judged only on makes and misses, but on "effort and impact." That’s coach-speak for "you need to stop getting blown by on the perimeter."
The Lakers have been dealing with a mess of injuries lately—Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves have all been banged up. Usually, that’s a golden ticket for a young wing to get 30 minutes a night. Instead, Knecht has spent a good chunk of December assigned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
He did light it up there, though. In mid-December, he dropped 30 points for South Bay against the San Diego Clippers. It shows the talent is still there; he just looks a bit "in his head" when he’s playing alongside LeBron and AD. The pressure of the Staples Center (yeah, I still call it that) hits differently than a G League gym.
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Comparing the Stats: Then vs. Now
| Stat | 2024-25 Season | 2025-26 (Mid-Jan) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 9.1 | 5.0 |
| Minutes Per Game | 19.2 | 13.0 |
| 3P% | 37.6% | 31.1% |
| FG% | 46.1% | 43.3% |
| FT% | 76.2% | 68.8% |
You can see the slide. The free throw percentage dropping is usually a sign of a confidence issue. When a natural shooter starts missing from the stripe, they’re usually overthinking their mechanics.
The Trade Rumors are Swirling
Because this is the Lakers, nobody is allowed to struggle in peace. There’s already talk about whether Knecht is "trade bait." Remember that failed trade for Mark Williams last year? Knecht was right in the middle of that.
Now, analysts are looking at guys like Brice Sensabaugh over in Utah, who is having a breakout year, and wondering if the Lakers missed their window to flip Knecht for a more consistent piece. It sounds harsh, but the NBA is a "what have you done for me lately" league.
What’s Next for Dalton?
Honestly, the next two weeks are make-or-break. With the trade deadline looming in February, the dalton knecht game log needs some green circles fast. Redick has basically said he's going to give him a "look" for the next week or so because of the injuries to the starters.
If he can find that stroke—the one where he hits four threes in a quarter and does that "shrug" to the crowd—he’ll be fine. The Lakers need cheap, young shooting. But if he keeps going 1-for-5 and getting lost on backdoor cuts, he might be looking at a permanent home in the G League or a plane ticket to a rebuilding team by February.
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Keep an eye on the upcoming home set against Memphis. If he doesn't crack 15 minutes with Reaves and Hachimura out, that tells you everything you need to know about where he stands in the rotation.
Actionable Insights for Lakers Fans and Fantasy Owners
- Watch the Rotation: If Knecht is seeing fewer than 10 minutes even when the Lakers are short-handed, he is a safe "drop" in all fantasy formats.
- Check the G League Assignments: Continued assignments to South Bay are a signal that the coaching staff is prioritizing "reps" over winning contributions at the NBA level.
- Monitor 3PA: His value is tied entirely to volume. If he isn't attempting at least 4-5 threes in his limited minutes, he isn't playing his game.
- Trade Deadline Tracker: Watch for his name in any rumors involving frontcourt depth or veteran "3-and-D" help. He is currently one of the Lakers' few moveable assets with "upside."
The talent is undeniable—you don't drop 37 in an NBA game by accident. But right now, Dalton Knecht is a classic example of how thin the margin for error is in the league once the scouting report catches up to you.
The rest of the month will decide if he's a part of the Lakers' future or just another "what if" draft pick.
Next Steps:
Check the box score of the next Lakers game specifically for Knecht's "Plus/Minus" and "3-Point Attempts" to see if Redick is actually letting him play through his mistakes or keeping him on a short leash. This will give you the best indicator of his trade status heading into February.