All Hands on Deck: Lakers Pulling Out All the Stops to Revive Dalton Knecht’s Development

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a critical juncture with sophomore forward Dalton Knecht. After a promising rookie season that saw him flash elite shooting potential, Knecht has endured a significant sophomore slump, finding himself on the outside of the rotation looking in.¹ This decline—exacerbated by a trade that was ultimately rescinded last year and a fiercely competitive roster this season—has prompted the Lakers to take a significant and immediate action: assigning Knecht to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.²

 

This move is not a punishment or a prelude to an imminent trade; rather, it represents the organization pulling out “all the stops” to strategically course-correct Knecht’s development, restore his confidence, and maximize his value, whether he stays in Los Angeles or is used as a crucial trade chip.

I. The Crisis of the Sophomore Slump

Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, enjoyed a relatively productive rookie campaign, averaging ³$9.1$ points in ⁴$19.2$ minutes per game while shooting an efficient ⁵$37.6\%$ from three.⁶ However, the current season has seen a steep fall-off:

 

Season	Games (GP)	Minutes (MPG)	Points (PPG)	3-Point %
2024-25 (Rookie)	78	19.2	9.1	37.6%
2025-26 (Sophomore)	20	15.1	6.4	36.2%

A. The Loss of Rotation Minutes

The primary problem is a simple lack of opportunity. The emergence of free-agent signing Jake LaRavia and the return of a healthy Jarred Vanderbilt have created a logjam at the wing position.⁷ Head coach JJ Redick, focused on championship contention alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, has prioritized defense and consistency, areas where Knecht has struggled.

 

In the month of December, Knecht was averaging just ⁸$8.5$ minutes per game, and in several instances, was firmly cemented on the bench.⁹ For a 24-year-old former first-round pick who needs high-volume reps to hone his craft, sitting on the bench is the single greatest impediment to his development.

 

B. The Psychological Toll of the Trade Debacle

The Lakers’ attempted trade of Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams last season, which was later rescinded due to Williams failing a physical, created a psychological scar.¹⁰ As reported, this highly public situation “shook” Knecht’s confidence.

 

The G League assignment is designed to provide a safe, low-pressure environment where he can move past the mental hurdle of feeling unwanted, regain his competitive rhythm, and focus solely on the skills that made him a highly touted prospect.

II. The Strategic G League Assignment: A Multi-Faceted Plan

Assigning a first-round pick to the G League mid-season, particularly one whom the Lakers just picked up the team option for, is a calculated, strategic move designed to solve multiple problems simultaneously.

A. Volume Reps for Confidence and Skill Refinement

The most immediate benefit is the guaranteed playing time. With the South Bay Lakers, Knecht will be the focal point of the offense, allowing him to work through his slump without the pressure of an NBA clock or the high stakes of a Lakers championship chase.

• Focus on Shot Creation: Knecht needs to refine his ability to create shots off the dribble, not just spot-up shooting. The G League provides the necessary volume of possessions to work on advanced moves and attacking schemes.

• Defensive Accountability: His defensive lapses have been a major reason for his limited minutes.¹¹ The G League assignment allows the coaching staff to impose a specific, high-accountability defensive plan for him, demanding he improves his technique and effort in an environment where mistakes won’t immediately cost the NBA team a crucial win.

   

B. Maximizing Trade Value Ahead of the Deadline

The assignment, coincidentally occurring just as the NBA’s trade season officially opens (December 15), carries significant trade implications.¹² Knecht is one of the Lakers’ few movable young assets, earning a reasonable ¹³$4$ million this season.¹⁴

 

• The Showcase: If Knecht is considered a “negative asset” by some scouts due to his recent struggles, the best way to change that narrative is to create a showcase. A few high-scoring, efficient performances in the G League can immediately raise his trade stock from a struggling sophomore to a high-upside scoring prospect ready for a change of scenery.

• Strategic Fit: The Lakers are actively looking to trade for a rotational upgrade, such as the polarizing Dillon Brooks.¹⁵ Knecht’s improved stock makes him a more palatable centerpiece for a trade package that includes players like Gabe Vincent or Rui Hachimura. The South Bay assignment is therefore a crucial step in preparing him—not just for the Lakers’ rotation—but potentially for his value as a necessary component in a win-now trade.

   

C. A Bridge for Immediate Recall

The Lakers cleverly executed this assignment during a four-day gap in their NBA schedule.¹⁶ South Bay has a game that the Lakers need him to play in.

 

• Short-Term Injection: This short assignment suggests the Lakers are not abandoning him for the season. Instead, they are using the G League as an intensive, confidence-boosting boot camp. The organization can recall him immediately if an injury creates a sudden need for wing depth (especially with Austin Reaves recently dealing with a calf strain).¹⁷

   

III. The Long-Term Developmental Mandate

The Lakers’ decision to prioritize the development of players like Knecht and rookie Adou Thiero (who was also assigned to South Bay) reflects a larger, crucial strategic mandate in the salary-cap era: the need for homegrown talent.

In the current second apron environment, the Lakers cannot afford to sign high-priced free agents to fill every gap. They must be able to develop draft picks into cost-controlled rotational contributors. The failure of a first-round pick like Knecht would be a significant setback, making this concentrated effort to “revive” his career an organizational priority that extends beyond the current season’s trade deadline.

By deploying the G League as a developmental tool rather than a dumping ground, the Lakers are making a significant investment in a player they still believe has the shooting and scoring instincts necessary to contribute to a championship contender. The fate of Dalton Knecht remains uncertain, but the Lakers have committed to providing him the best possible chance to succeed.