Dalton Knecht Reveals Insightful Offseason Conversations With Head Coach JJ Redick…read more…
LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles Lakers embark on a new chapter under newly hired head coach JJ Redick, the offseason has been filled with anticipation, strategy sessions, and plenty of behind-the-scenes development. One of the most promising storylines emerging from the team’s summer activities has been the relationship building between Redick and rookie guard Dalton Knecht.
Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is coming off a solid rookie season where he showed flashes of scoring prowess and perimeter shooting — two areas the Lakers sorely needed last year. Now heading into his second NBA season, Knecht finds himself at the center of the Lakers’ youth movement. But beyond his on-court evolution, what’s been just as critical is his growing connection with the man tasked with guiding him — JJ Redick.
Building Trust and Clarity
In a recent interview during Summer League activities in Las Vegas, Knecht spoke candidly about the offseason meetings he’s had with Redick since the coach took the helm.
“Coach Redick’s been great,” Knecht said. “From the first day he got the job, he made it a point to reach out to all of us, especially the young guys. He told me straight up what he sees in me, what my role could be, and how he wants to help me grow.”
Knecht said those conversations have helped him feel more empowered and better understand the direction the Lakers are heading.
“It’s different when your coach was just playing not that long ago,” Knecht continued. “He understands what it’s like to be out there — how fast the game is, how to get open shots, how to use your body. He’s been in my shoes, so everything he says hits different.”
Redick, who transitioned from a podcasting and broadcasting career into coaching, has emphasized a player-first culture centered on communication, analytics, and situational intelligence — all qualities that resonate with the modern NBA athlete.
A New System, A Bigger Role?
With LeBron James returning for what could be his final season and Anthony Davis continuing to anchor the frontcourt, the Lakers are still very much a veteran-led team. But Redick has indicated that he wants the younger core — including Knecht, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and newly signed second-round pick Bronny James — to have meaningful developmental minutes throughout the year.
For Knecht, that could mean a larger offensive role in the second unit or even spot starts depending on matchups. In his rookie season, he averaged 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and shot 36% from three in limited minutes. However, he had multiple double-digit scoring games and showed an ability to get hot quickly off the bench.
“We talked a lot about movement shooting,” Knecht said. “Coach Redick was one of the best to ever do that — running off screens, reading defenses on the fly. He’s been working with me on those little details, like foot placement, how to time my cuts. It’s stuff I never really thought about before.”
Redick has reportedly emphasized an offense predicated on pace, spacing, and intelligent ball movement — concepts Knecht is eager to embrace. His ability to knock down open threes and attack closeouts could make him an ideal fit in a modern, flowing Lakers offense.
Embracing the Grind
Despite being a first-round pick, Knecht is no stranger to the underdog mentality. A former junior college player who blossomed into an All-American at Tennessee, Knecht has made a career out of proving people wrong.
That chip on his shoulder hasn’t gone away.
“I know nothing’s handed to you in this league,” he said. “Coach Redick told me — straight up — that I have to earn everything. He respects my game, but he also knows I’ve got to be consistent, especially on the defensive end.”
Defense was a weaker area for Knecht in his rookie year, and improving his lateral quickness, defensive reads, and off-ball awareness has been a point of emphasis in summer workouts.
Redick, known as a cerebral player throughout his 15-year NBA career, has leaned into film study and individual breakdowns to help players like Knecht improve their defensive impact.
“We’ve watched a ton of film together,” Knecht added. “Not just my clips, but also guys like Klay [Thompson], Desmond Bane — players who are great two-way shooters. He’s showing me where to be before the play develops. It’s mental more than anything.”
The Bigger Picture in Los Angeles
As the Lakers continue to round out their roster during free agency, the attention remains on how the franchise will balance competing for a title with LeBron while also building a sustainable future.
Redick’s trust in Knecht and other young players is part of that balancing act.
According to team insiders, Redick sees Knecht as a potential sixth man candidate who could stretch the floor, inject energy, and eventually develop into a starting-caliber wing — especially if he continues refining his defense and off-ball movement.
Former NBA guard and current analyst Jamal Crawford praised the pairing, saying during a Summer League broadcast, “JJ and Dalton are going to be a great match. You’ve got a player hungry to prove himself, and a coach who knows how to bring out the best in shooters. I think Dalton’s going to have a breakout second year.”
Looking Ahead
With training camp just two months away, Knecht says he’s laser-focused on staying healthy, building chemistry with teammates, and absorbing everything Redick has to offer.
“I’m just locked in,” he said. “Everything’s been positive so far. Coach is giving us all the tools — now it’s up to us to put it all together.”
The Lakers may be undergoing a transformation, but in players like Knecht and a coach like Redick, they may have found the spark to bridge their present with their future.
As Redick continues to outline his vision and young players buy in, one thing is clear: Dalton Knecht isn’t just part of the Lakers’ plans — he might be one of the key pieces that shapes their next era.
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📣 “He’s been in my shoes — everything he says hits different.”
Dalton Knecht opens up on building trust and chemistry with new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The second-year guard could be on the verge of a breakout season. 🟨🟪 #LakeShow #DaltonKnecht #JJRedick #NBA
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