The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason has been full of storylines, from Luka Doncic’s leadership to LeBron James’ recovery timeline. But one of the quieter success stories has been Dalton Knecht, who’s steadily finding his rhythm and confidence heading into his sophomore season. After a strong showing against the Golden State Warriors, Knecht opened up about how he’s been sharpening his game in training camp, and it turns out, it’s the Lakers’ defense that’s been his greatest teacher.
Following his 16-point performance in the Lakers’ 126–116 win over the Warriors, Knecht was asked about the toughest defenders he’s faced so far in camp. Without hesitation, he pointed to his own teammates: Jarred Vanderbilt and Marcus Smart.
Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers’ defensive energizer, is a player known for his hustle, physicality, and ability to guard nearly every position on the floor. But Knecht didn’t stop there. Team insiders say Knecht has also been going toe-to-toe with Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year. The two veterans, Vanderbilt and Smart, are known for making life miserable for opponents, and now they’re making life difficult for their own teammate, in the best possible way.
The work seems to be paying off. After a shaky preseason opener, Knecht has improved each game from 6 points in the first outing against the Suns to 12 in his second and 16 in his third.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has praised the 24-year-old’s offensive development, revealing that Knecht has been the team’s best scorer in camp, logging 42 more points in live scrimmages than any other player while shooting close to 60% from the field.
That’s exactly why Knecht’s work against Vanderbilt and Smart matters so much. Facing relentless defenders daily is helping him develop the kind of toughness and awareness that can earn him a real spot in the Lakers’ rotation.
With LeBron James expected to have his minutes managed and the team placing heavy emphasis on two-way play, Knecht’s improvement on defense could be the key to unlocking his potential.
It’s also a sign of maturity. After nearly being traded to the Charlotte Hornets last season, a deal that collapsed when Mark Williams failed his physical, Knecht could’ve easily lost confidence. Instead, he doubled down. He worked out with Vanderbilt in the offseason, focused on refining his movement without the ball, and bought into Redick’s developmental approach.
For a player once labeled a “negative asset” by rival scouts, that kind of feedback is invaluable. It also speaks to the Lakers’ culture under Redick, one built on communication, competition, and growth.
Knecht’s offensive gifts have never been in question. At 6-foot-6, he’s a smooth shooter who can space the floor and attack closeouts. What the Lakers want now is a version of Knecht who can defend his position, stay composed under pressure, and bring consistent energy on both ends.
If practice makes perfect, then going against Vanderbilt and Smart every day might just be the perfect formula.
For Knecht, every rep against those two is a test, and every bucket is a statement.
With confidence growing, his coach backing him, and his teammates pushing him, Dalton Knecht may be turning into exactly what the Lakers hoped for, not just a shooter, but a competitor built for the grind of Los Angeles basketball.
