Dalton Knecht: Lakers’ Sharpshooter Continues with LA After Trade Deadline

Dalton Knecht Remains with the Los Angeles Lakers

As the 2026 NBA trade deadline has passed, Dalton Knecht will continue his journey with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite previous reports of a trade request, the Lakers opted to hold onto the second-year sharpshooter, signaling a continued belief in his potential.

Assignment to the South Bay Lakers

Following a recent 105-99 victory against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers assigned Knecht, along with Adou Thiero (recovering from a sprained right MCL), to their NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. This move isn’t indicative of any performance issues for Knecht; rather, it’s a strategic decision to provide him with additional practice reps after he didn’t see playing time during Saturday’s game against the Warriors.

Upcoming Schedule and Knecht’s Role

The South Bay Lakers are currently preparing for a Wednesday, February 11th matchup against the San Diego Clippers. Meanwhile, the LA Lakers face a challenging back-to-back schedule, starting with a Monday game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by a Tuesday contest against the San Antonio Spurs.

Knecht’s recent court time has been limited. His last appearance was against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played three minutes and scored two points on efficient 1-1 shooting. His role within the Lakers rotation remains somewhat unclear, but the team clearly sees value in developing his skills.

Knecht’s Season Stats and Trade Rumors

This season, Knecht has appeared in 41 games for the Lakers, averaging 4.6 points per game. He boasts a 44% field goal percentage, though his three-point shooting sits at 31%. Prior to the trade deadline, reports surfaced indicating Knecht had requested a trade. However, the Lakers were unable to find a suitable deal, leading to his continued presence on the roster.

Lakers’ Current Standing

With a record of 32-19, the Lakers currently hold the fifth seed in the Western Conference. The team is focused on building momentum as they head towards the playoffs. Knecht’s development could prove crucial as the season progresses.

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