JJ Redick outlines Dalton Knecht’s role as Lakers search for offensive spark

While the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense has drawn most of the criticism this season, the offense has quietly become an issue as well.

Los Angeles currently ranks 25th in the NBA in 3-point percentage, shooting just 34.6 percent from deep. As the team looks for answers on that end of the floor, head coach JJ Redick is turning to a familiar option: Dalton Knecht.

Knecht has spent much of the season on the fringes of the rotation, but ahead of the Lakers’ matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick made it clear that the second-year wing is set to receive a real opportunity — and not just for one night.

“Dalton will get a look tonight and for the foreseeable future,” Redick said.

Effort over efficiency

Redick emphasized that Knecht’s minutes will not hinge on whether shots fall, but rather on his energy and competitiveness — something the coaching staff feels has been lacking at times.

“Play hard, that’s been the biggest point of emphasis for him all season,” Redick explained.

“He’s not going to be judged on whether he makes or misses shots. When you go through a stretch where you feel like your team isn’t playing hard, you got to play the guys that are consistently playing hard.”

According to Redick, Knecht has already shown flashes this season, and the upcoming stretch could be pivotal.

“I think for him, probably the next week or so, he’s going to have consistent playing time and consistent opportunities,” Redick added.

A disrupted development path

The Lakers selected Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he initially carved out a meaningful role early in his rookie season.

That momentum stalled after Knecht was included in a rescinded trade with the Charlotte Hornets involving Mark Williams, a sequence that appeared to disrupt both his confidence and his place in the rotation.

Since then, his minutes have fluctuated, but the skill set he brings remains one the Lakers badly need.

Shooting upside the Lakers lack

Knecht’s calling card is perimeter shooting.

Last season, he connected on 37.6 percent of his 3-point attempts on 4.4 shots per game. This season, his efficiency has dipped slightly to 35.8 percent, though on fewer than three attempts per game.

Beyond the numbers, Knecht’s ability to move without the ball and complement star creators makes him a natural fit alongside the Lakers’ primary offensive options.

His most impactful performance this season came on October 29, when he scored 15 points off the bench in a road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, shooting 7-of-12 from the field. He has also logged a brief stint with the South Bay Lakers, marking the first G League assignment of his career.

Opportunity created by injuries

The timing may work in Knecht’s favor.

The Lakers are currently without Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Adou Thiero, leaving the rotation thin and the offense searching for spacing and energy.

As long as the Lakers remain short-handed, Knecht will continue to see opportunities. Whether he can turn this extended look into a permanent role may depend less on his shooting percentage — and more on whether he delivers the effort Redick is demanding.