Dalton Knecht’s first season with the Los Angeles Lakers was a whirlwind marked by early promise, midseason turbulence, and a playoff run that left fans intrigued and wanting more. The 24-year-old rookie’s journey from overlooked high school scorer to NBA first-round pick, and through a season of highs and lows, has been one of the most compelling storylines for Lakers fans in 2024-25.
A Long Road to the NBA: Brief Biography and College Career
Born in Fargo, North Dakota, and raised in Thornton, Colorado, Dalton Knecht attended Prairie View High School, where he was a prolific scorer but lightly recruited. He began his college basketball journey at Northeastern Junior College, experiencing a late growth spurt and becoming a standout player. After two years, he transferred to Northern Colorado, where he led his conference in scoring as a senior. For his final year of eligibility, Knecht moved to Tennessee, where he became one of the nation’s top players, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and recognition as a First-Team All-American. He averaged over 21 points per game and shot nearly 40% from three-point range, leading Tennessee to an SEC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Draft Night and Early Lakers Impact
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The pick was considered a steal, as Knecht was among the draft’s most NBA-ready prospects. The Lakers were eager to add his shooting and scoring ability to their roster. He made his NBA debut in October 2024 and wasted no time making an impression. In his 14th game, Knecht erupted for 37 points against the Utah Jazz, hitting nine three-pointers, a Lakers rookie record and tying the NBA’s single-game rookie record for threes by a rookie. He also became only the second rookie to lead a LeBron James-led team in scoring during a game James played, and his scoring binge included 22 consecutive points, a rare feat in Lakers history.
The Rookie Wall and Trade Drama
After a hot start, Knecht hit the proverbial rookie wall in December. His scoring and shooting percentages dipped, reducing playing time and raising questions about his defense. As the trade deadline approached, the Lakers agreed to send Knecht and other assets to the Charlotte Hornets for a center. The deal was rescinded when the incoming player failed his physical, leading to a bizarre week in which Knecht was traded, traveled to Charlotte, and then returned to Los Angeles. Despite the uncertainty, Knecht remained focused on basketball and quickly reintegrated with the team.
Finishing the Regular Season: Highlights and Lowlights
Despite the midseason drama, Knecht finished the regular season with solid numbers for a rookie reserve: 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game across 78 appearances, with efficient shooting splits. He had another scoring outburst with 32 points against Denver in March, but consistency and defense remained concerns. Defensive struggles often offset his offensive contributions, but his three-level scoring and ability to heat up quickly kept him in the rotation. He led all Lakers reserves in points per game and per-36-minute scoring.
Playoff Performance and Future Outlook
The Lakers entered the postseason with high hopes but were eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Knecht saw four minutes of action in his brief playoff debut across two games, scoring five points and grabbing three rebounds. The coaching staff’s lack of trust in the bench, and in Knecht specifically, was a central talking point as the Lakers’ reserves contributed the fewest points per game of any playoff team. After the season, Knecht returned to Tennessee to train, signaling his determination to improve for next year. Fans and analysts remain optimistic about his offensive upside, especially if he can make strides defensively and earn a more consistent role. Many are excited to see what he can bring to the Lakers in his second season.
