Lakers’ Roster Issues Are Hindering Dalton Knecht’s Scoring Potential

The Los Angeles Lakers have had their fair share of struggles early in the 2024-25 NBA season, but Dalton Knecht has emerged as a shining star for the team. As a rookie, Knecht represents a rare source of hope for a franchise that has largely overlooked the NBA Draft in favor of star power. However, the Lakers’ roster structure has begun to limit Knecht’s opportunities, affecting his potential and consistency on the court.

Dalton Knecht’s Impressive Start to His NBA Career

Despite the challenges, Knecht has proven himself as a promising addition to the Lakers roster. Through 26 games and 12 starts, the rookie is averaging 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 three-point field goals made in just 23.6 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 46.8%, a three-point percentage of 37.6%, and a free throw percentage of 71.4%.

When adjusted to per 36 minutes, Knecht’s numbers are even more impressive, averaging 16.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.9 three-pointers made. Additionally, his impact on the team’s performance is evident, with the Lakers performing 1.1 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the court. Despite this strong start, Knecht’s playing time remains inconsistent, primarily due to issues within the Lakers’ roster structure.

The Lakers’ Defensive Struggles Are Costing Knecht Minutes

One of the key factors limiting Knecht’s role on the team is the Lakers’ defensive woes. Head coach JJ Redick has emphasized the need for a point-of-attack defender who doesn’t need the ball to be effective on offense. This preference stems from the team’s defensive inconsistency, particularly from the four-man core of Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. As a result, the Lakers’ defense has ranked in the 36th percentile for defensive rating, according to Cleaning the Glass, a stat that reflects the team’s ongoing issues on that end of the floor.

Knecht, known for his two-way potential, could be the perfect fit as the glue guy the Lakers need. However, it’s unrealistic to expect a rookie to solve a problem that veteran players should have addressed. The absence of Jarred Vanderbilt due to injury and Max Christie’s slow adjustment have further complicated the situation. Even if these players were available or performing at their best, Knecht would still likely be relegated to a bench role.

Impact of the Lakers’ Defensive Problems on Knecht’s Role

The Lakers’ defensive struggles have led to Knecht being pushed out of the starting lineup, where he has had his most significant impact. As a starter, Knecht is averaging 14.3 points per game, with a 39.3% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. However, when coming off the bench, his production drops significantly to 7.4 points per game, with his three-point shooting falling to 34.7%.

This drop in performance highlights the difficulty Knecht faces in finding consistency when not receiving regular starter minutes. Despite his impressive numbers and the team benefiting from his on-court presence, Knecht is currently on track to spend the rest of the season as a reserve.

Knecht’s Path to Securing a Starting Role

To earn back his starting spot, Knecht will need to improve defensively, particularly in terms of guarding the point of attack. If he can showcase his ability to contribute on both ends of the court, it would bolster his chances of reclaiming a starting role. However, it’s clear the Lakers are repeating past mistakes by placing more responsibility on Knecht than he’s ready for, all while not addressing the deeper issues with the defensive play of their veteran core.

Unless the Lakers decide to overhaul their starting lineup, it seems Knecht’s early promise will be overshadowed by the need to compensate for the veterans’ defensive flaws. His growth and potential as a consistent scorer could take a backseat as the team continues to work through these structural issues.

Conclusion: Is Dalton Knecht the Answer to the Lakers’ Roster Woes?

While Dalton Knecht’s talent and performance are clear, the Lakers’ roster structure is currently holding him back from reaching his full potential. The team’s defensive issues have forced Knecht into a bench role, even though he has proven to be a net positive when on the court. As the season progresses, the Lakers will need to make critical decisions about how to utilize their rookies and veterans to maximize both offensive and defensive potential. If Knecht can continue to improve and carve out a consistent role, he may be the answer to the team’s ongoing problems. However, this will require a shift in the Lakers’ lineup structure and a commitment to addressing their defensive shortcomings.