Dalton Knecht’s journey this season has taken a few unexpected turns, but if his brief stint in the G League proved anything, it’s that the rookie can hoop - and he’s not taking any opportunity for granted.
After being sent down by the Lakers to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, Knecht responded the only way a competitor knows how: by showing out. He dropped 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including a scorching 6-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Add in five rebounds, two assists, two steals, a block, and a highlight-reel dunk that brought the house down - and it was clear he wasn’t just there to get some cardio in. South Bay came away with a 127-118 win over the San Diego Clippers, but the real takeaway was Knecht’s all-around performance and how he maximized the moment.
Shortly after, Knecht was back with the Lakers’ main roster, logging just four minutes in a win over the Jazz. That limited role - especially following his G League showcase - has sparked questions from fans and former players alike.
One of the louder voices in the conversation? Former NBA All-Star and champion Jeff Teague. On the Club520 podcast, Teague didn’t mince words when questioning the Lakers’ handling of Knecht.
“I have a real question. This is no hate.
This is real s***,” Teague said. “Why he in the G (League) and Bronny not in the G (League)?
… I don’t care that he’s playing in the G League. I’m saying that he was a first-round pick.”
Teague went on to say that if Knecht himself requested a G League assignment for extra reps, that’s a different story. But if the organization isn’t invested in developing a first-rounder, he argued, they should either give him a real shot or let him go somewhere that will.
“If you don’t like him, can y’all please move on from him? Like give the man a chance,” Teague added.
It’s a fair question. Knecht was taken in the first round for a reason - a sharpshooting wing with size, confidence, and a proven ability to score at every level.
In his rookie campaign, he played in 78 games and started 16, averaging 9.1 points on 46.1% shooting from the field and 37.6% from deep. That’s solid production for a first-year player adjusting to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
At the trade deadline, Knecht was nearly on the move. The Lakers had agreed to send him to the Charlotte Hornets, but the deal was nixed when another player involved failed a physical. That voided the trade and kept Knecht in Los Angeles - for now.
But his name continues to pop up in trade rumors as the next deadline approaches. He’s still young, still developing, and still has the kind of upside that front offices love to bet on.
That one-game G League performance? It may have done more than just get him some reps - it might’ve boosted his value on the market.
Before the NBA, Knecht made his name at Tennessee - and he did it fast. In just one season with the Volunteers, he earned SEC Player of the Year honors and became a consensus All-American.
He averaged 21.7 points per game on 45.8% shooting, knocking down nearly 40% of his threes while adding 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He was a walking bucket with a knack for big moments, and that scoring punch is what made him a first-round pick in the first place.
Now, the question is what comes next. Whether the Lakers see him as part of their long-term plans or not, it’s clear Knecht is still writing his NBA story - and if his G League cameo is any indication, he’s not going quietly.