Dalton Knecht's Decision Turns Heads After Lakers' Loss to Timberwolves
The Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season concluded with a disappointing 4-1 first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers, who had high expectations entering the postseason, faltered in crucial moments, ultimately losing the series, despite being dubbed as favorites.
One of the biggest talking points of the series was head coach JJ Redick's lack of trust in his bench. Among the players in question was rookie guard Dalton Knecht, who saw limited action during the playoffs, appearing in only two game for a combined four minutes. In that brief stint, he managed to score five points and grab three rebounds, all in Game 1.
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht (4).© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
It was an overall productive rookie campaign for Knecht. He averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 made 3-pointers over 78 games, doing so in 19.2 minutes per contest. Seemingly not satisfied with how his first professional season ended, the 6-foot-6 wing made the decision to return to Tennessee for offseason training.
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Sharing an Instagram story of himself practicing on the Tennessee Volunteers' court, his alma mater, Knecht caught the attention of fans. One reposted a screenshot of his story on X.
"Dalton Knecht already back in the lab," the fan wrote. "Can't wait to see him next season."
Several other fans shared their thoughts in the comments.
"He should have had minutes in the series," one fan wrote.
"Dumb Redick man, bro deserved minutes," another fan said.
"Legit my only gripe of the playoffs was this kid not getting minutes. He has size and something to prove. DK would have gotten after it," a third fan posted.
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Others speculated about his future with the team:
"That dude ain't wearing purple and gold next year. Wish him the best," one fan wrote.
"He getting traded this offseason," another fan added.
Selected 17th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht had strong moments in first year, including a career-high 37-point game against the Utah Jazz, where he tied the NBA rookie record with nine three-pointers. However, his role diminished as the season progressed, and he was nearly traded to the Charlotte Hornets in February—a deal that was rescinded after Mark Williams failed his physical.
Related: Lakers Predicted to Go After Luka Doncic's Former Teammate
Related: Rui Hachimura Makes Big Announcement After Lakers' Loss to Timberwolves
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