JJ Redick Suggests Frustrated Youngster Has No One but Himself to Blame for Lakers Career Failure

Dalton Knecht had his chances in Los Angeles. That’s the clear takeaway from JJ Redick’s latest comments on the second-year wing, who is now the most likely odd man out as the Lakers trim their roster before opening night.

"I think, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the injuries we had," Redick said. "I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he's in a tough spot right now."

It’s a remark about a player who never capitalized on those minutes. As a rookie, Knecht averaged 9.1 points in 19.2 minutes over 78 games. Last season, with the Lakers’ injuries opening up minutes, his role shrank to 10.2 minutes and 4.2 points a game. He struggled defensively and shot just 22.2% from three over a 12-game stretch in January.

The coaching staff has noticed. The Athletic’s Dan Woike said the staff “wishes he played with more energy and urgency.”

This preseason did little to change that narrative. Knecht averaged 2.8 points on 25% shooting and 14.3% from three, and went scoreless in eight minutes in the 121-106 finale loss to the Nuggets.

Knecht has made it clear he doesn’t agree with the outside noise. “They haven’t talked to me nothing about that,” he said of the roster decision, dismissing the commentary around his situation. “I still think I am the best player and best shooter when I step out on the court.”

Woike, though, said Knecht “wishes he had more opportunity,” a sign of how much his standing has slipped since he arrived as the 17th pick in the 2024 draft.

His Lakers tenure took an early hit. In February 2025, midway through his rookie season, the Lakers agreed to send him to Charlotte in a deal for Mark Williams. The trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical, and Knecht returned to a team that had already tried to move him.

“I really understand it is a business. It happens,” Knecht said of the episode. “Got sent back. Cool. Still got a shot here and still keep playing.”

Redick Also Points to a Changed Roster

Redick didn’t put it all on Knecht. He said the Lakers’ offseason moves played a part too.

"I think the biggest thing is the team changed," Redick said, according to Lakers Nation's Daniel Starkand. "The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he's gotten better as a player the last two years."

Redick pointed to circumstance as much as roster construction.

Whatever the balance between the two, the result is the same. The Lakers currently carry 16 players on standard contracts, one more than the regular-season limit, and a trade remains the team's preferred way to resolve the challenge rather than an outright release.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha expects a trade, possibly packaging Knecht and Jaden Hardy for a backup center. If no deal comes, the Lakers could waive him and pay the remaining $4.2 million on his contract.

Either way, Knecht’s chance to prove himself in Los Angeles appears to be over, and he’s likely to be out of the team before the regular season tips off.