JJ Redick Considering Dalton Knecht’s Return to Starting Lineup

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is re-evaluating his decision to move Dalton Knecht back to the bench, following underwhelming results in recent games. While the Lakers returned to a near full-strength roster with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Cam Reddish, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup, the team has struggled in Knecht’s absence from the starting five.

Dalton Knecht’s Stellar Starting Stint

Knecht shined in his four-game stretch as a starter, averaging an impressive 23.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and shooting 60.3% from the field and a remarkable 57.6% from three-point range. His sharp shooting added a dynamic element to the Lakers’ offense, creating more space for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate.

However, since his return to the bench, Knecht’s production has significantly dipped. Over the past two games, he scored a combined 16 points while going 2-for-8 from beyond the arc. The Lakers lost both games in blowout fashion, raising questions about whether Knecht’s role change disrupted the team’s rhythm.

JJ Redick’s Perspective

Coach Redick acknowledged the potential impact of Knecht’s role on his performance and hinted at possible adjustments, saying:

“Maybe there is something to the flow that he can get to and the rhythm he can get to as a starter. … Everything is always up for discussion. … We’ll look at everything.”

Despite his desire for continuity, Redick has been willing to make changes when necessary. For instance, he previously replaced D’Angelo Russell with Cam Reddish in the starting lineup to address the team’s defensive struggles.

Fit and Chemistry

A major factor in Knecht’s effectiveness is his fit alongside James and Davis, where his elite 3-point shooting forces defenses to spread out, giving the Lakers’ stars more room to dominate. Conversely, when paired with bench players like D’Angelo Russell and Jaxson Hayes, Knecht’s ability to stretch the floor isn’t as impactful.

Who Could Be Benched?

If Redick decides to reinstate Knecht as a starter, either Cam Reddish or Rui Hachimura could move to the bench. Reddish seems like the most likely candidate, given his recent addition to the starting unit.

However, Redick has praised Reddish’s defensive effort and his willingness to take on gritty, less glamorous roles. With the Lakers struggling defensively in recent games, Redick may be hesitant to disrupt that balance.

Takeaways and Next Steps

Dalton Knecht’s impact: The rookie has demonstrated he thrives in the starting lineup, where his shooting complements the team’s stars.

Team adjustments: Redick faces the challenge of balancing offensive firepower with defensive stability while finding the best combinations for the rotation.

Upcoming changes: The decision to return Knecht to the starting five will likely hinge on the team’s performance in the next few games and the continued struggles of their current lineup.

As the Lakers look to solidify their rotation and bounce back from recent losses, all eyes will be on Redick’s next move. Knecht’s return to the starting lineup could provide the spark the team needs to regain momentum and continue their push for a strong season.