Lakers’ Unexpected Contract Move on Dalton Knecht Shocks Fans

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Lakers’ Unexpected Contract Move on Dalton Knecht Shocks Fans

The Los Angeles Lakers have made an unexpected move regarding Dalton Knecht’s contract for the upcoming season. Despite earlier doubts surrounding his performance, LA has decided to exercise their $4.2 million option for Knecht’s third year, extending his stay until the 2026-27 season. This decision marks a significant moment for the 24-year-old player, who was drafted 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Lakers’ Contract Decision on Dalton Knecht

Dalton Knecht, a 6-foot-6 wing from Tennessee, had a challenging end to last season. Initially, there were plans to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets, but these fell through. Consequently, Knecht found himself sidelined during the playoffs, not being utilized by coach JJ Redick.

Performance Overview

During the regular season, Knecht participated in 78 games, starting 16 of them. His statistics reflect a solid effort, averaging:

  • 9.1 points per game
  • 2.8 rebounds per game
  • Shooting splits: 46.1% FG, 37.6% from three-point range, and 86.2% from the free-throw line

Although these figures indicate encouraging offensive proficiency, his defensive challenges and speed have raised concerns regarding his fit in a competitive environment.

Strategic Decision for the Future

The decision to retain Knecht might initially seem surprising given the Lakers’ lack of enthusiasm about his contributions. However, from a transactional perspective, keeping him on a rookie-scale salary enhances his trade value. This strategic move by general manager Rob Pelinka could help the Lakers in future deals.

Future Expectations for the Lakers

As the team aims to improve from a 50-32 record last season, the contributions of young players like Knecht will be crucial. With superstars like LeBron James and emerging talent like Austin Reaves on the roster, the Lakers require reliable shooting and defense from their supporting cast. Knecht’s role as an off-ball cutter and three-point shooter will be pivotal in achieving their ambitions for the upcoming season.

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