When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft, they were focused on adding a polished scorer who could contribute right away. What they didn’t know at the time - and really, how could they? - was that Luka Dončić would eventually be wearing purple and gold. That kind of blockbuster shift changes everything, especially how we view that draft decision in hindsight.
Knecht has shown flashes of the scoring punch that made him a first-round pick. He’s got a smooth shooting stroke, solid footwork, and the confidence to create his own shot - all traits that can translate well in today’s NBA.
But now that Dončić is in the building, the calculus changes. Suddenly, the question isn’t just “Can this guy score?”
It’s “How does he elevate Luka?” And that’s where the Lakers might’ve missed an opportunity.
Let’s be clear: the Lakers didn’t pass on a surefire All-Star. But in a draft where Yves Missi, Kyshawn George, and Ryan Dunn were still on the board - all taken shortly after Knecht - there’s a real case to be made that LA could’ve landed a better long-term fit alongside their new franchise centerpiece.
Building Around Luka: The New Blueprint
With Dončić now running the show, the Lakers are in a strong position to build something special - but it’s going to require the right pieces around him. We’ve seen the formula work before.
In Dallas, Dončić and Kyrie Irving formed a dynamic backcourt that powered the Mavericks all the way to the NBA Finals. In LA, Austin Reaves is poised to take on that secondary playmaker role.
He’s smart, unselfish, and can shoot - all things that complement Luka’s game beautifully.
But the Lakers still need more. They need size, rim protection, defensive versatility, and some extra shot creation - especially when Dončić is off the floor or facing double-teams. That’s where the missed opportunity in the draft becomes more glaring.
Yves Missi: The Vertical Threat
Missi, taken just four picks after Knecht, checks a lot of boxes. He’s a high-motor big with real shot-blocking instincts and the kind of vertical spacing that makes life easier for a playmaker like Dončić.
Think pick-and-rolls where Luka snakes around a screen, draws the defense, and just lobs it up to the rim - Missi would feast in that role. He’s raw, sure, but the tools are there, and the fit is clean.
Ryan Dunn: Defensive Swiss Army Knife
Then there’s Dunn, one of the most versatile defenders in the draft. He’s already built a reputation as a guy who can guard 1 through 4, maybe even 1 through 5 in small-ball lineups.
With Dončić not exactly known for his defense, having someone like Dunn to take on tough assignments would be a game-changer. Plus, his off-ball cutting would add another layer to LA’s half-court offense - something that becomes even more valuable when defenses are keyed in on Luka.
Kyshawn George: The One That Got Away?
But the biggest “what if” might be Kyshawn George. The rookie has been thriving with the Wizards this season, showing off a well-rounded offensive game that’s turning heads.
He’s averaging 14.9 points, 5.8 boards, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting a scorching 43.9% from deep on over five attempts per night. That’s not just good - that’s plug-and-play next to Dončić good.
George brings size, shot creation, and floor spacing - all premium traits for a wing in today’s NBA. Pairing him with Dončić and Reaves could’ve given the Lakers a dynamic trio to build around for years. It’s early, but George is looking like a steal, and it’s hard not to imagine what that trio might’ve looked like in LA.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers didn’t whiff with Knecht - he’s a talented scorer who can still carve out a meaningful role. But with Dončić now the face of the franchise, the bar for roster construction has been raised. It’s not just about talent anymore - it’s about fit, synergy, and maximizing the window you have with a generational star.
Missi, Dunn, and George each offer something the Lakers could use right now. And while no front office has a crystal ball, it’s fair to wonder if LA might’ve passed on a better supporting piece for their new superstar.
The good news? Dončić is only 26.
There’s still time to get this right - but every move from here on out matters.