It’s fair to say that year one hasn’t gone the way Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht expected. He came into the league as a shooter in the one percent, according to head coach JJ Redick. Knecht started off firing and excited the Lakers fans for what was once thought of as the 2024 NBA Draft steal. Things began to shift, though, and Knecht started to struggle shooting the three ball. Eventually, the shock trade of the season and the league’s history involved the rookie being traded to the Charlotte Hornets. The story is well-known now, and Knecht is back in Los Angeles with another chance with the Lakers. However, given this season’s turmoil, you can’t blame Knecht for having mixed emotions. That’s where he says Austin Reaves comes into the picture, who has been in Knecht’s corner with advice and support.
Lakers Rookie Has Austin Reaves In His Corner
Los Angeles Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Has Vital Support After Rescinded Trade Offers Second Opportunity
LeBron James had flown back home for treatment, and Luka Dončić was resting in the second half of a back-to-back against the Denver Nuggets, so it was up to Reaves and company to try to knock off their vaunted playoff enemies for the second time in two weeks. Unfortunately, the Lakers came up short, but not because of a lack of production from Reaves or Knecht, who stepped up huge in the defeat. With Dončić out, Knecht slid into the rotation with 37 minutes of playing time. He went for 32 points, shooting 38.5% from three. It was one of his biggest performances of the season.
Wherever Knecht’s confidence level is at this point in the season, it likely has a lot to do with the support he’s received from Reaves, especially since the trade fell through. Knecht spoke about Reaves following the Nuggets game, saying that he’s been his main support system, which helped him perform the way he did (Twitter link).
“He’s been pretty much my main vet, I can go to and talk to all the time and he has my back 100%. He almost had a 40, almost had a triple-double, so having a guy like that to help me and to be super confident in me, means a lot.”
“We were short on guys, and we fought through that.”
Dalton Knecht talks with @LakersReporter and the media after his 32-point performance in the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to the Denver Nuggets. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/FQccZUfOpQ
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 15, 2025
Back For Good?
Considering the Lakers attempted to trade Knecht already to help fill a gaping hole in the roster, there’s no telling whether they would try again in the offseason. The Lakers still have that hole at the center position and will undoubtedly do their due diligence in fixing that this summer. For now, Knecht is a Laker, but whether that’s the long-term case remains to be seen. He may show them why they should keep their first-round draft pick around with solid playoff minutes. If he can come out and perform at a high level with his shot in the postseason, maybe it would sway the front office from including him in future trades.
We all know that Redick loves Knecht and wants him around for the future. Knecht has made it clear that he wants to be a Laker. Right now, he’s in the middle of a prime opportunity to make his case.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
