Dalton Knecht Sidelined Again as Lakers Tighten Rotation in Loss to Hornets
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped a tough one on Thursday night, falling 135-117 to the Charlotte Hornets, and the box score wasn’t the only thing that raised eyebrows. For the first time since mid-December, second-year wing Dalton Knecht was left out of the Lakers’ regular rotation. He did log the final 93 seconds of garbage time, but by then the game was well out of reach.
This marks a notable shift for the 24-year-old, who had been seeing consistent minutes over the past month. Since returning to the rotation on December 14, Knecht appeared in 13 games, averaging 10.6 minutes per contest.
But the production just hasn’t followed. In that stretch, he posted 3.2 points and 1.4 rebounds per game while shooting just 36.2% from the field and a rough 21.9% from beyond the arc.
For a player known for his scoring instincts, those numbers tell a story - and not the one the Lakers were hoping for.
Knecht’s scoring touch hasn’t translated to the NBA level so far, and defensive issues have compounded the problem. Head coach JJ Redick had given the 6’6” wing a real opportunity to carve out a role, but Thursday’s DNP (aside from mop-up duty) suggests the coaching staff is ready to explore other options.
Kobe Bufkin Gets the Nod
In Knecht’s absence, the Lakers turned to newly signed guard Kobe Bufkin, who stepped into the nine-man rotation just two days after inking a 10-day contract. Bufkin, a former first-round pick, has bounced around this season - waived by both the Hawks and Nets - but had been playing solid minutes for the South Bay Lakers in the G League before this latest call-up. That the team trusted Bufkin over Knecht in a meaningful game situation says plenty about where the coaching staff’s confidence currently lies.
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have appeared ready to move on. Knecht was nearly dealt at last season’s trade deadline in a package for Mark Williams before the deal fell apart. Since then, his struggles have continued, particularly with shot-making - the one skill that was supposed to be his calling card.
The Numbers Paint a Tough Picture
Statistically, the impact hasn’t been there. The Lakers are 6.6 points per 100 possessions worse with Knecht on the floor, and they carry a -4.9 net rating during his minutes this season. On a team with championship aspirations, every possession matters - and right now, Knecht isn’t helping the cause on either end of the court.
This is a roster built around high-usage stars like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic. There simply isn’t much room for a developing scorer who needs touches to find his rhythm.
The Lakers had hoped Knecht, an older rookie when drafted, would be ready to contribute right away. But two seasons in, he’s yet to lock down a consistent role.
What’s Next for Knecht?
With the trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, it’s hard to imagine Knecht sticking in Los Angeles much longer. The Lakers are likely to explore their options, whether it’s via trade or clearing a roster spot. For Knecht, a fresh start might be the best thing - a chance to reset, rebuild his confidence, and find a team that can offer him more developmental runway.
The talent is still there. Knecht’s scoring ability didn’t just vanish - it’s a matter of adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA, while finding ways to impact the game beyond just putting the ball in the basket. But for now, the Lakers are in win-now mode, and they can’t afford to wait.
Whether or not Knecht finds his footing elsewhere remains to be seen. But in Los Angeles, the clock may have already run out.