Dalton Knecht went from lighting up the Lakers’ scoreboard to struggling to get off the bench. Now, he finally has a chance to shoot his way back into the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers waived Knecht on October 19, ending a frustrating chapter for a player who once looked like one of the steals of the 2024 NBA Draft. Selected 17th overall out of Tennessee, the former SEC Player of the Year arrived with a reputation as a polished scorer who could provide much-needed shooting.

For a while, he looked every bit the part. Knecht erupted for 35 points against the Phoenix Suns during the 2024 preseason, draining eight three-pointers. A month later, he followed that up with a 37-point explosion against the Utah Jazz, knocking down nine threes to tie the NBA rookie record at the time.

Then came February 2025. Knecht was included in a trade to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, only for the deal to be rescinded after Williams failed his physical. He returned to Los Angeles, but things never quite looked the same.

There is no definitive proof that the failed trade damaged Knecht’s confidence, but the timing was difficult to ignore. His role dwindled, his production fell, and the young shooter who once seemed capable of catching fire at any moment struggled to establish himself in the rotation.

The Lakers’ evolving roster didn’t help. With Luka Dončić joining the picture and competition for minutes increasing, Knecht had fewer opportunities to prove his worth. His defensive limitations also made it harder for the coaching staff to trust him consistently.

By the 2025-26 season, he averaged just 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes per game. His disappointing preseason offered little reason to believe his situation would change.

Of course, being waived doesn’t guarantee Knecht will land somewhere better. His recent production gives teams legitimate reasons to hesitate, and he’ll need to show that he can contribute beyond occasional scoring outbursts.

Still, shooting remains a valuable NBA skill, and Knecht has already demonstrated that he can get scorching hot. A team with a less crowded wing rotation could give him the minutes and patience he never consistently received in Los Angeles.

Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what he needs. Knecht doesn’t have to become a star to salvage his career, he just needs a team willing to give him a genuine opportunity, and more freedom to play through his mistakes.

Regardless, Knecht ought to be pumped. He gets the chance to prove the Lakers gave up on him too soon.