The Los Angeles Lakers’ selection of Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft is increasingly viewed as a poor choice as the 2025-26 season progresses.,Players taken immediately after Knecht, including Tristan Da Silva, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jaylon Tyson, are now outperforming him and filling key roles on their respective teams.The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to draft Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft is proving to be a regrettable one as the 2025-26 season unfolds. While Knecht showed promise early in his NBA career, he has largely fallen out of the rotation for the Lakers, especially with the team nearing full strength. Meanwhile, several players selected shortly after Knecht are experiencing breakout performances.
Tristan Da Silva, chosen 18th overall, has carved out a reliable role with the Orlando Magic. With an injury to Paolo Banchero, Da Silva stepped into the starting lineup and has emerged as a floor-stretching forward, a skill set the Lakers, who are struggling with shooting, could desperately use. Da Silva is reportedly performing this at a healthy volume.
Ja’Kobe Walter, the 19th overall pick, is providing the Toronto Raptors with a valuable defensive presence off the bench. His athleticism allows him to effectively challenge matchups, contributing to one of the team’s highest defensive ratings per 100 possessions. Walter is also shooting 42.9 percent from three-point range on 2.6 attempts per game, a skill the Lakers would welcome.
Similarly, Jaylon Tyson, selected 20th overall, is offering a two-way boost to the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a quieter rookie season and a college career focused on on-ball responsibilities, Tyson has successfully adapted to an off-ball role that is highly valued by contending teams.
In hindsight, the Lakers may have selected the least impactful player among this group of picks (18th-20th). The contrast between these players’ current contributions and Knecht’s diminished role is reportedly a difficult reality for the Lakers’ front office.
Leave a Reply