JJ Redick reveals real reason Dalton Knecht isn't playing for Lakers
JJ Redick has offered a clearer window into why Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has seen limited action, and it has less to do with talent than with timing, role, and the realities of a contending roster.
According to Redick’s recent comments, the organization views Knecht as a long-term piece, but not yet as a plug-and-play rotation staple. The Lakers are trying to balance player development with the pressure to win now around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and that equation rarely favors rookies, especially on the wing, where defensive reliability and schematic discipline are non-negotiable.
Knecht arrived as one of the older rookies in his class with a reputation as an NBA-ready scorer. That label can create inflated expectations externally. Internally, though, the Lakers see a player still adjusting to NBA speed, physicality, and the complexity of defensive coverages. Redick has emphasized that the coaching staff wants Knecht to master the team’s principles on both ends before handing him a consistent role, particularly because every possession is magnified for a team with playoff aspirations.
There is also a numbers game at play. The Lakers’ perimeter rotation already includes guards and wings who need minutes, touches, and rhythm. Redick’s job is to find workable five-man combinations that defend at a high level, space the floor, and complement his stars. In that context, a rookie scorer who is still learning where he fits can be squeezed out, even if his shooting profile is enticing.
From a league-wide perspective, this is a familiar story. Many first-year players on veteran-heavy teams sit more than fans expect, not because they can’t play, but because coaches prioritize trust, defensive consistency, and mistake-free basketball in high-leverage environments. Redick’s framing of Knecht’s situation fits that pattern: the Lakers are not souring on their rookie; they are slow-cooking him.
For Knecht, the path forward is clear. If he continues to sharpen his defense, decision-making, and off-ball awareness, the shooting will eventually demand a longer look. Redick’s explanation suggests that when the opportunity comes, the Lakers want him fully ready, not just intriguing.
According to Redick’s recent comments, the organization views Knecht as a long-term piece, but not yet as a plug-and-play rotation staple. The Lakers are trying to balance player development with the pressure to win now around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and that equation rarely favors rookies, especially on the wing, where defensive reliability and schematic discipline are non-negotiable.
Knecht arrived as one of the older rookies in his class with a reputation as an NBA-ready scorer. That label can create inflated expectations externally. Internally, though, the Lakers see a player still adjusting to NBA speed, physicality, and the complexity of defensive coverages. Redick has emphasized that the coaching staff wants Knecht to master the team’s principles on both ends before handing him a consistent role, particularly because every possession is magnified for a team with playoff aspirations.
There is also a numbers game at play. The Lakers’ perimeter rotation already includes guards and wings who need minutes, touches, and rhythm. Redick’s job is to find workable five-man combinations that defend at a high level, space the floor, and complement his stars. In that context, a rookie scorer who is still learning where he fits can be squeezed out, even if his shooting profile is enticing.
From a league-wide perspective, this is a familiar story. Many first-year players on veteran-heavy teams sit more than fans expect, not because they can’t play, but because coaches prioritize trust, defensive consistency, and mistake-free basketball in high-leverage environments. Redick’s framing of Knecht’s situation fits that pattern: the Lakers are not souring on their rookie; they are slow-cooking him.
For Knecht, the path forward is clear. If he continues to sharpen his defense, decision-making, and off-ball awareness, the shooting will eventually demand a longer look. Redick’s explanation suggests that when the opportunity comes, the Lakers want him fully ready, not just intriguing.
