The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a strong start this season, sitting at 18-7 and holding the third spot in the Western Conference. But even with early success, the front office isn’t standing still. The team continues to fine-tune its roster, keeping an eye on both the trade market and internal development - a balancing act that’s become a hallmark of this era in L.A.
Ahead of their December 18 matchup with the Utah Jazz, the Lakers made a pair of moves that speak to that dual focus. They’ve recalled guard Dalton Knecht and forward Adou Thiero from the South Bay Lakers, their G League affiliate. Both players had been assigned to South Bay for developmental purposes, and now they’re back with the big club - a decision that adds depth and flexibility as the Lakers navigate injuries and rotation adjustments.
Let’s start with Knecht. The rookie out of Tennessee was the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he’s shown flashes of why the Lakers were high on him.
Through his first stretch of NBA action, he’s averaging 6.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. His stint in the G League was his first since entering the league, and while brief, it gave him valuable reps in a featured role - something he wasn’t consistently getting in L.A.’s crowded backcourt.
Thiero, a rookie forward from Arkansas, has appeared in nine games with the Lakers this season. He also logged two games with South Bay, giving the coaching staff a closer look at his potential in extended minutes. His recall signals that the Lakers are still evaluating how he might carve out a role, especially as the team deals with the usual midseason wear and tear.
The broader context here is important. The Lakers’ depth chart is crowded, particularly in the backcourt.
At point guard, they’ve got Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent, and Nick Smith Jr. - a mix of star power, veteran savvy, and young upside. At shooting guard, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Bronny James offer a blend of defense, playmaking, and energy.
That’s a lot of mouths to feed in the guard rotation, and it makes every minute earned by Knecht or Thiero all the more valuable.
On the wing, Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia continue to hold down the small forward spot, while LeBron James remains the anchor at power forward. In the frontcourt, the Lakers are leaning on a group that includes Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme, and Deandre Ayton - a mix of rim protection, rebounding, and offensive versatility.
Bringing back Knecht and Thiero doesn’t just give the Lakers more bodies - it gives them options. With injuries always looming and rotations tightening as the season progresses, having young, game-ready players who can step in and contribute is a luxury. And for the players themselves, this is a chance to prove they belong in the mix, not just as fill-ins, but as long-term pieces of a team with serious postseason aspirations.
Bottom line: the Lakers are winning now, but they’re also building for what’s next. The recall of Knecht and Thiero is a small move on the surface, but it reflects a larger strategy - one where development, depth, and flexibility are just as important as the nightly box score.