JJ Redick reveals Dalton Knecht’s plan amid LA’s tough offense

LOS ANGELES – While it is Los Angeles Lakers‘ The defense has been maligned a lot this season, it seems that their offense has also had problems. The Lakers are currently 25th in the league in overall 3-point percentage at 34.6 percent. Given that the offense must also get back on track, the Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick will turn to a familiar face in Dalton Knecht.

Dalton Knecht has mostly been out of the rotation this season. But before the Lakers’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, JJ Redick admitted yes he would get his chance in the immediate vicinity and for now. Redick also outlined what Knecht needs to do to stay in the rotation no matter who is available for the Lakers.

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

“Play hard, that’s been the biggest emphasis for him all season. He’s not going to be judged on whether he shoots or misses … when you go through a stretch where you feel like your team isn’t playing hard, you’ve got to play things that are consistently playing hard,” Redick continued. “I think he’s had some really good moments already this season. I think for him, probably in the next week or so, he’s going to get consistent playing time and consistent opportunities.”

The Lakers drafted Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he initially began his rookie season as a key part of the team’s rotation. However, Knecht was part of the back-breaking trade with the Charlotte Hornets that involved Mark Williams, and he never seemed to regain his confidence, or his place in the rotation after that.

But Knecht brings a skill that the Lakers have lacked this year, which is the 3-point shot. He shot 37.6 percent from the 3-point line on 4.4 attempts last season. This season, he is shooting 35.8 percent in just over two attempts. He has the ability to move off the ball and play better than the Lakers stars.

Knecht’s most impactful game of the season came on October 29th in a big road win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He came off the bench and finished with 15 points while shooting 7-of-12 (58.3 percent) from the field. Knecht also had a brief stint in the G League with the South Bay Lakers this year, the first such assignment of his career.

The Lakers are currently without four players due to injury in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Adu Thierry. While the Lakers remain short on arms, Knecht will get his opportunities.