The Los Angeles Lakers are most likely not going to be a team making splash plays at the NBA trade deadline this season.
However, there are plenty of ways Los Angeles can improve its roster while dealing with role players throughout the roster.
One player that has been a topic of discussion is Dalton Knecht. The second-year forward has struggled to get things going ever since the failed trade last season that had him sent to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams.
Lakers' Dalton Knecht tagged as 'player to watch in terms of possible fresh starts.'
Knecht, 24, was emerging as one of the Lakers' up-and-coming young stars as a rookie in 2024-25. In 78 games last season, Knecht averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three in 19.2 minutes per game.
The botched trade that resulted in Knecht returning to the Lakers has taken a toll on the Tennessee prospect.
In his second pro season, his numbers have taken a dip. Through 36 appearances, Knecht is averaging 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from three.
NBA insider Marc Stein provided an update to the 24-year-old, saying that he is "another player to watch in terms of possible fresh starts."
It will be interesting to see if a team would take a shot at a struggling player who seems to be in the right mental state in his current spot.
Dalton Knecht has a ton of potential. In his final year of college in 2023-24, he was a First Team All-American and an SEC Player of the Year while being a finalist for the Naismith Trophy and John R. Wooden Award.
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