When the Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht 17th overall, the front office saw more than just a shooter, they saw flexibility. A controllable contract, a polished scorer, and someone who could either contribute immediately or headline a trade package for a bigger piece. It was a strategic pick, but that plan only works if the rest of the league sees value, too. Right now, they do not.

Tough start to summer for Knecht

Through two Summer League games, Knecht has not just struggled, he has flatlined. In his debut, he shot an abysmal 3-for-13 from the field and missed all six of his three-point attempts. In the second game, things somehow went from bad to worse. He had just 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting, including 0-of-3 from deep. That is now 0-for-9 from three across both games, brutal numbers for a player whose main selling point is his ability to let it fly from downtown.

Knecht is no stranger to being a trade candidate

The Lakers were reportedly ready to trade Knecht before he had even fully unpacked his locker. A deal with Charlotte for Mark Williams was on the table before being pulled late. By the time the deal was rescinded the deadline had passed and Knecht waas no longer able to be shipped out. That tells you everything you need to know. The Lakers saw Knecht as an asset to move, not necessarily to build around.

He still has potential

To be fair, this does not erase the player he was coming out of college, or even the flashes he showed during his rookie season. Last season he averaged 9.1 points across 78 games and showed promise as a floor spacer. The Lakers are not throwing that away. But the front office is in an aggressive mode this summer, trying to upgrade around Lebron James, and a shrinking win-now window. Proof of that comes with them going after Deandre Ayton in free agency. At the of the day, that means players like Knecht need to either contribute or help bring back someone who will.

Knecht doesn’t have to dominate the Summer League. But he does need to look sharp and confident. So far, he has looked tight, and completely out of rhythm. The shooting slump could pass, sure, but in a league that moves fast, timing matters just as much as talent.The Lakers have one more California Classic game before heading to Las Vegas for some more games.