The Los Angeles Lakers want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic, which has firmly put Dalton Knecht’s place with the franchise in question. Knecht's summer league struggles cast further doubt on his current role. The 24-year-old has defensive issues and doesn’t fit next to Luka or Austin Reaves. If he can’t help the Lakers win games this season, it is time for the franchise to move on.
Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He fell completely out of the rotation in the playoffs as head coach JJ Redick couldn’t justify his subpar defense.