Dalton Knecht’s rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a rollercoaster - flashes of scoring brilliance mixed with stretches of limited minutes, largely due to defensive inconsistency. But if his G League debut with the South Bay Lakers is any indication, the young guard isn’t just staying ready - he’s making a statement.
In his first appearance with South Bay, Knecht lit it up. He poured in 30 points on 59% shooting, including six made threes, while adding five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a win over the San Diego Clippers. It wasn’t just a solid performance - it was a reminder of what Knecht does best: put the ball in the basket.
There’s never been much doubt about Knecht’s offensive arsenal. He’s a three-level scorer who can get hot from deep, pull up in the midrange, or finish through contact at the rim.
That scoring versatility is what made him a first-round pick, and it’s what keeps him on the radar even when he’s not in the Lakers’ main rotation. The question has always been whether he can round out his game - particularly on the defensive end - to earn consistent NBA minutes.
While the Lakers have been navigating a crowded backcourt rotation under head coach JJ Redick, Knecht has occasionally found himself on the outside looking in. That’s not uncommon for rookies, especially on a team with playoff aspirations and veteran depth. But the G League assignment wasn’t a demotion - it was a chance to get reps, stay sharp, and show what he can do when given the green light.
And he wasn’t the only one who took advantage of the opportunity. Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. chipped in with 20 points, knocking down four threes of his own.
Big man Drew Timme, recently signed to a two-way deal, showcased his all-around game with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Second-round pick Adou Thiero added 14 points, seven boards, and a couple of steals in a well-rounded effort from South Bay.
For Knecht, this kind of performance is about more than just stats - it’s about confidence. It’s about showing the Lakers’ coaching staff that he’s continuing to develop and that he can be a reliable scoring option off the bench if given the chance. With the Lakers still searching for consistent bench production, a player like Knecht - who can heat up in a hurry - could be exactly what they need.
If he’s looking for a blueprint on how to stay ready and seize the moment, he doesn’t have to look far. Jarred Vanderbilt recently found himself back in the Lakers’ rotation after a stretch on the sidelines, and when his number was called, he delivered. That kind of professionalism and preparation is exactly what young players like Knecht can learn from - stay locked in, keep working, and be ready when opportunity knocks.
Knecht’s G League debut showed that he’s not just biding his time - he’s working to prove he belongs. The scoring is there. Now it’s about building the rest of his game to match.