The 2024-25 NBA season was a rollercoaster for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht. Being picked by a storied franchise like the Lakers is a dream for many NBA hopefuls, and Knecht realized that dream when he was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Coming out of Tennessee, Knecht was a dynamic player in his final NCAA year, earning consensus All-American honors and other awards, which contributed to a strong start with the Lakers.
Chosen in the middle of the first round, many saw Knecht as a hidden gem with a promising skill set. Early in the season, Knecht made a name for himself, particularly in November 2024, where he scored 114 points across five games, quickly climbing the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. That month, he averaged 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 26.4 minutes per game.
Data from Sofa Core shows that up to the NBA trade deadline, Knecht posted averages of 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, shooting 46.5% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc. However, after being included in a trade deal with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams—which was later canceled—Knecht’s confidence took a big hit. Head coach JJ Redick seemed to lose faith in the once highly touted rookie.
Despite support and guidance from veteran Lakers players helping Knecht regain some confidence, the damage was evident. His performance dipped sharply in February 2025, averaging only 5.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 13.6 minutes per game. Although his minutes slightly increased in March (19.2 per game), his stats improved modestly to 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. By April 2025, Redick reduced Knecht’s playing time again, and when the playoffs commenced, it was clear Knecht was no longer a key part of the rotation. He appeared in only two playoff games, contributing 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds on limited minutes.
Fan Take: Dalton Knecht’s rocky rookie season is a clear reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA, especially for young talent. For basketball fans, his journey highlights the immense pressures rookies face and the crucial role confidence and coaching trust play in shaping promising careers in the league.
