Dalton Knecht’s Offseason Commitment: Elevating His All-Around Game for the Lakers

Dalton Knecht’s journey with the Los Angeles Lakers has been anything but ordinary. From being a surprising draft pick to navigating trade uncertainties, Knecht has shown resilience and determination. As the 2025 offseason unfolds, he is channeling his experiences into a focused effort to enhance his all-around game, aiming to become a pivotal contributor for the Lakers in the upcoming season.

A Surprising Draft Pick

In the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht was selected 17th overall by the Lakers, a position lower than many anticipated given his college performance. At the University of Tennessee, he averaged 21.7 points per game and was a standout shooter, hitting 39.7% of his three-point attempts. His 6-foot-6 frame and scoring prowess made him a promising prospect.(Lakers Nation, FanSided)

Despite being projected as a top-10 pick, Knecht’s draft stock dipped due to concerns about his strength and athleticism. The Lakers, however, saw potential in his polished offensive game and welcomed him into their fold. Head coach JJ Redick, known for his shooting expertise, began designing plays to leverage Knecht’s shooting ability, setting the stage for his development within the team.(Lakers Nation, FanSided)

Navigating Trade Turmoil

Knecht’s rookie season took an unexpected turn when he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. However, the trade was rescinded just before he was set to debut with the Hornets, bringing him back to the Lakers. This whirlwind experience could have been disorienting for any rookie, but Knecht handled it with poise.(New York Post, Lakers Nation, NBA Analysis Network)

Veteran guard D’Angelo Russell offered valuable advice during this period

“Right after a game, just move on. Don’t care about how you did just move on because you have the next game coming towards you.

This mindset helped Knecht maintain focus and composure amid the uncertainty

Offseason Focus: Strength and Defense

Recognizing the need to bolster his physicality, Knecht dedicated the offseason to building muscle and enhancing his defensive capabilities. Reports from the Lakers’ “Lakeshow” podcast highlighted his increased strength, noting

“He’s definitely getting bigger. I thought he was already pretty good around the rim for a guard, but now he’s gonna be bigger and better than what we saw the last of him several months ago when he was still a college kid.

This physical transformation aims to improve his finishing at the rim and his defensive presence, areas that were previously points of concern.

Gaining Confidence and Mentorship

During a challenging period marked by a shooting slump, veteran forward Markieff Morris stepped in to offer guidance. Morris encouraged Knecht to stay true to his game, saying,()

“Be ready. No matter what, be you. When you get the ball, just go be you. And play like how you play, confidently, how you played at Tennessee.

This mentorship helped Knecht regain his confidence, contributing to a notable performance in the Castrol Rising Stars Challenge, where he showcased his all-around skills

Looking Ahead: Aiming for a Bigger Role

With the Lakers’ roster undergoing changes, including the acquisition of star guard Luka Dončić, Knecht’s role on the team is poised to expand. His improved physicality, combined with his scoring ability and defensive enhancements, make him a versatile asset.

As he continues to learn from seasoned players like LeBron James and Dončić, Knecht is positioning himself to take on a more significant role in the Lakers’ lineup. His commitment to developing an all-around game reflects his dedication to contributing meaningfully to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

Dalton Knecht’s journey with the Los Angeles Lakers has been marked by unexpected twists and a steadfast commitment to improvement. Through offseason training, mentorship, and a focus on enhancing his all-around game, Knecht is preparing to make a substantial impact in the 2025-26 NBA season. As the Lakers aim for championship contention, Knecht’s growth could be a key factor in their pursuit of success.