Lakers Rumor: Dalton Knecht's Trade Value Reportedly Tanks After Disappointing Summer League Showing With Los Angeles
The NBA Summer League can either showcase a young player's potential or expose their flaws—and for
Dalton Knecht
, it was the latter. Once seen as a promising asset with first-round trade value, Knecht's underwhelming performance in Las Vegas has caused his stock to nosedive.
Now, the Los Angeles Lakers are left with a player whose market appeal has faded fast.
Dalton Knecht's Journey From Draft Steal to Trade Bait
When the Lakers selected
Dalton Knecht
with the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was widely regarded as a savvy move. He entered the league after a breakout season at Tennessee, with great size, shooting range, and a scorer's mindset. Some even believed he could be a central piece in future trades for established talent.
But those high expectations quickly clashed with on-court reality.
Summer League Struggles for Knecht
Rather than cementing his value, Knecht's Summer League stint raised serious doubts.
- Inefficient Scoring: He averaged just 10.3 points over three games, shooting only 27.9% from the field and 23.8% from beyond the arc.
- One Standout Game, Then Silence: A lone 25-point performance was overshadowed by poor shot selection and recurring defensive issues.
- Minimal Impact Beyond Scoring: When his shot wasn't falling, Dalton Knecht struggled to contribute in other areas—failing to make a mark as a playmaker, rebounder, or defender.
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For a player drafted to be a shooting threat, this lack of versatility and efficiency was deeply concerning.
How Knecht's Trade Value is in Free Fall
League insiders have confirmed what many already feared: Knecht is no longer viewed as a first-round-level trade asset. Teams around the league now see him as a limited contributor with a niche role at best—hardly the type of player that moves the needle in major trade discussions.
Why His Value Dropped
- Age: At 24, Knecht is older than most developing prospects, which limits his perceived growth potential.
- Defensive Weaknesses: He has shown difficulty keeping up with quicker wings and grasping complex defensive schemes.
- Undefined Role: Without reliable shooting or playmaking, scouts wonder if he's destined to be a bench piece rather than a starter.
- Disappointing Summer League: Rather than silencing critics, his performance reinforced existing concerns.
Los Angeles Lakers' Missed Opportunities
The
Los Angeles Lakers
reportedly tried to include Knecht in several trade packages—once as part of a deal for center Mark Williams, and later in proposals meant to clear cap space or acquire veteran help.
Initially viewed as a sweetener, Knecht's name has now lost most of its leverage. Rival teams have shown little interest, with some unwilling to even offer a second-round pick in return.
Fans Begin to Accept Reality
Lakers fans, once excited about Dalton Knecht's shooting potential, are now coming to terms with a different picture. Many agree he's not ready to contribute meaningfully, and hopes of him being a trade centerpiece have all but vanished.
Online discussions around his trade value often result in disbelief and mockery.
Can Dalton Knecht Turn Things Around?
There's still a sliver of hope. Dalton Knecht has reportedly committed to a rigorous workout schedule and is working closely with head coach JJ Redick to improve his defense and decision-making. The Los Angeles Lakers aren't ready to completely write him off, recognizing that player development isn't always linear.
Also read:
Golden State Warriors Reportedly Almost Landed $251,019,650 Phoenix Suns Superstar Amid Buyout Rumors
But after a rough showing in Vegas, he'll need a dramatic turnaround next season to restore his value. For now, Dalton Knecht is no longer viewed as a first-round asset—and that's a tough blow for both him and the franchise that believed in him.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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