Just a year ago, Dalton Knecht was riding high. The kind of rookie story that turns heads-older prospect, late draft pick, immediate impact.
He looked like a steal, the type of player who makes front offices kick themselves for letting him slip. Fast forward to now, and the conversation around his trade value has taken a sharp turn.
On the latest episode of Buha's Block, Lakers insider Jovan Buha made a notable statement: Adou Thiero, a rookie with just 11 games and less than a point per game to his name, currently holds more trade value than Knecht.
That’s a staggering shift in perception.
To understand how we got here, you have to look at what’s been happening on the floor. Knecht’s offensive game-his calling card-has been inconsistent.
When the jumper is falling, he can look like a rotation piece. But when it’s not, the rest of his game hasn’t held up enough to justify minutes, especially on a Lakers team with no time to wait around.
The defense hasn’t been reliable, and in a league that demands two-way play, that’s a tough sell.
Then there’s Thiero. He’s barely played, but in those limited minutes, he’s flashed the kind of athleticism and defensive versatility that coaches and front offices covet-especially when the playoffs come around.
He’s the type of player who can guard multiple positions, run the floor, and fit into a variety of systems without needing the ball. That kind of plug-and-play potential is gold for teams looking to make a push.
And that’s the heart of the issue. It’s not that Knecht has no talent or future-far from it.
It’s that his skill set requires rhythm, touches, and patience. The Lakers don’t have much of the latter.
With LeBron James still chasing titles and the organization all-in on winning now, there’s little room for developmental detours. Young players are judged quickly, and harshly.
Knecht is finding that out in real time.
The infamous rescinded trade from earlier in the season may have been the turning point, but the bigger picture is about fit and timing. Knecht’s game doesn’t align with where the Lakers are or where they’re trying to go. Thiero, on the other hand, represents a mold that’s easier to work with in high-stakes environments.
That’s why, for now, Thiero’s trade value is higher. Not because he’s the better player today, but because he fits the role teams are looking to fill.
It’s a reminder of how situational value can be in the NBA. The right player in the wrong context can lose shine fast.
There’s still a path forward for Knecht. A trade could be the reset button he needs-landing in a system that emphasizes development over urgency.
It’s happened before. Players get a second look in a new environment, and suddenly the narrative shifts again.
But for now, it’s a stark contrast. From draft-day steal to trade afterthought, the swing in perception around Knecht has been swift. And while it’s not necessarily a verdict on his long-term potential, it’s a reflection of what the Lakers-and the league-prioritize when the clock is ticking.