Lakers' Dalton Knecht Likely Played Last Game After Losing Rotation Spot

The 2024 first-round pick has struggled in his second NBA season and appears to be on his way out of Los Angeles.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:19am

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Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024 first-round draft pick, did not play a single minute in the team's recent loss to the rebuilding Dallas Mavericks despite the Lakers being short-handed. This move suggests Knecht has fallen out of favor with head coach JJ Redick and may have already played his last game with the franchise.

Why it matters

Knecht's lack of playing time, even with key Lakers players sidelined, indicates the team has lost faith in the young wing. This could signal the end of his tenure in Los Angeles, as the Lakers may look to move on from the 2024 draft pick in the offseason.

The details

Knecht, who averaged 4.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 10.3 minutes per game this season, has struggled with his shooting and confidence since a trade to the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded last year. Despite the Lakers' need for scoring with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out, Redick opted to play younger players like Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. over Knecht.

  • On April 6, 2026, Knecht did not play a single minute in the Lakers' loss to the Mavericks.

The players

Dalton Knecht

A 24-year-old wing who was the Lakers' 2024 first-round draft pick, but has struggled in his second NBA season and appears to have fallen out of favor with the team.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has limited Knecht's playing time and opted to play other young players over him in a recent game.

Rob Pelinka

The general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, whose draft record has taken another hit with Knecht's struggles.

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What they’re saying

“Luka, AR, and Smart all being out and Dalton Knecht still can't sniff the rotation again is really the final nail in the coffin for his time as a Laker”

— JSM

“Dalton Knecht not getting any minutes on the current version of the Lakers tells me his career is #over”

— Grant

What’s next

The Lakers will likely look to trade Dalton Knecht in the offseason, as he is owed $4.2 million next season and no longer appears to be in the team's long-term plans.

The takeaway

Dalton Knecht's struggles and lack of playing time, even with the Lakers short-handed, suggest his time with the franchise is coming to an end. This is another disappointing draft pick for the Lakers, who must improve their talent evaluation and development if they want to be an annual title contender.