Lakers Make Dalton Knecht Announcement After 9th Straight DNP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 2:43 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht entered the league with expectations after being selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft following a dominant final college season at Tennessee, where he won SEC Player of the Year. His rookie campaign showed flashes of that potential, including a 37-point outing and multiple high-scoring games that briefly placed him in the rotation.

However, Knecht’s trajectory has shifted significantly since then. After a rescinded trade involving the Charlotte Hornets during his rookie season, his role became inconsistent, and his production dipped. He finished his first year averaging 9.1 points while shooting 37.6% from three, but his momentum did not carry into his second season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Through his sophomore campaign, Knecht has struggled to maintain a consistent role, averaging just 4.2 points across 48 games while falling out of the rotation entirely. He last played on March 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he scored zero points in two minutes, and has now recorded nine straight DNPs (Did Not Play) despite being healthy.

Knecht has largely been used as a developmental piece, frequently moving between the NBA roster and the G League. On Monday, the Lakers made another roster decision ahead of their home game against the Washington Wizards, assigning Knecht to the South Bay Lakers for practice.

The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guards Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James Jr. and Dalton Knecht to the South Bay Lakers for today’s practice.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 30, 2026

The South Bay Lakers clinched the No. 1 seed in the G League Western Conference and are set to take on the San Diego Clippers on Wednesday, with Knecht likely to suit up for that game.

However, the timing of the decision is notable. With Luka Doncic unavailable due to suspension and Marcus Smart ruled out with a right ankle contusion ahead of Monday’s game, the Lakers are currently shorthanded in the backcourt. Despite that, Knecht was still assigned to the G League, which says a lot about where he currently stands in the team’s rotation.

Knecht has shown productivity at the G League level, including an 18-point, eight-rebound performance for South Bay on Saturday, but that has yet to translate into consistent NBA minutes.

The Lakers seek to extend their winning streak to three games, and will compete again without Knecht in the lineup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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