The Los Angeles Lakers began the 2025-26 regular season with a brutal 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The most heartbreaking development of all, however, was Dalton Knecht being omitted from the rotation.
On a night when LeBron James was sidelined and the bench mustered just 18 points, Knecht didn't receive a second of playing time—but his path back is clear to see.
Los Angeles' second unit continued the longstanding trend of failing to produce in anything resembling a sufficient manner on offense. Marcus Smart led all reserves with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting, while Jake LaRavia added five points on four attempts and Jaxson Hayes tallied four on three shots.