Lakers Blew It Big Time by Choosing Dalton Knecht Over a Proven Star Like Carrington
The 2025 NBA Draft left fans, analysts, and even players reeling in disbelief when the Los Angeles Lakers made one of the most controversial and downright toxic decisions in recent memory. The Lakers, in their desperate search for a future star, passed on Bub Carrington, a highly coveted forward from the Washington Wizards, to select Dalton Knecht, a guard from the University of Denver. What followed was a firestorm of rage, confusion, and bitter disappointment as fans couldn’t believe their eyes.
Dalton Knecht: Overhyped and Underwhelming?
Let’s be real—Dalton Knecht was a questionable pick from the start. The hype surrounding him was inflated, with some calling him the next big thing. But did the Lakers really need a guard with a questionable track record over someone like Bub Carrington? The answer is a resounding no.
Knecht’s skill set may seem promising on paper, but when you dive deeper, it becomes clear that he’s nowhere near the caliber of a player the Lakers needed at this point. The Lakers were looking for a game-changer—someone who could contribute immediately alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis—but instead, they chose a player who’s more potential than production. The backlash has been brutal, with many questioning whether the Lakers’ front office is even capable of making the right decisions anymore.
Was Knecht’s selection a huge mistake?
In a word—yes. The Lakers had an opportunity to secure Bub Carrington, a player who could have reshaped the future of the franchise. With his elite scoring ability, defensive skills, and potential to develop into a true star, Carrington was the perfect fit for a team desperate for a solid, all-around player. Instead, the Lakers made the baffling decision to go with Knecht, a guard with a less-than-impressive resume.
The Lakers’ decision to ignore Carrington—who had already proven his worth and was ready to make an immediate impact—raises serious questions about the front office’s ability to assess talent. Knecht’s selection smacks of shortsightedness and a complete failure to recognize what the Lakers truly needed.
Knecht’s Draft Selection: A PR Stunt Gone Wrong?
Here’s the real kicker: some insiders are hinting that the selection of Dalton Knecht was nothing more than a PR stunt. With the Lakers desperate for headlines after their lackluster performance in recent seasons, they might have seen Knecht as the “flashy” pick—more marketable, more talkable, and more likely to generate buzz. But did the Lakers choose Knecht because he was the best fit or because they thought he’d make a bigger splash on social media?
The answer seems pretty clear: they sacrificed talent for image, and it’s going to come back to bite them.
The Fallout: Fans Are Furious and They Have Every Right to Be
When the Lakers selected Knecht, the fanbase went into a frenzy. Twitter exploded with outrage, with fans wondering how the Lakers could make such a horrendous pick when Carrington was sitting right there. The venom on social media is palpable, with even the most loyal Lakers supporters calling out the front office for incompetence.
“Knecht? Really? The Lakers could’ve had a superstar in Bub Carrington, and they went with this guy.” Fans were rightfully furious. The team needed a player who could provide both scoring and defense immediately—not another raw prospect with a lot of questions surrounding him. The Lakers have been wasting precious years of LeBron James’ career, and it’s clear that this draft decision could be the latest in a long line of botched moves.
Dalton Knecht: The Overrated “Future” or a Bust in the Making?
Let’s talk about Dalton Knecht’s reality: he’s not the immediate solution the Lakers thought they were getting. Sure, he has some skills, but the overhyped potential surrounding him has been completely overrated. His college career was far from spectacular, and while he might have the tools to develop, it’s hard to see him becoming the star the Lakers need—at least not anytime soon.
Bub Carrington, on the other hand, was a proven commodity. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive abilities could have made him an immediate asset for the Lakers. But now, with Knecht in the fold, the Lakers have essentially rolled the dice on a player with much less upside, and the backlash from fans is only going to get worse.
Knecht’s Rookie Year: Will He Sink or Swim?
The Lakers are putting all their faith in Knecht, but let’s be honest—there’s a good chance he sinks. The pressure on the young guard will be immense, and if he doesn’t immediately live up to the hype, the Lakers will be under fire once again. LeBron James has made it clear he doesn’t have much time left at the top of his game, and if Knecht doesn’t deliver early on, it will be yet another wasted year in LeBron’s twilight.
The Final Verdict: Dalton Knecht is a Huge Gamble
In the end, the Lakers’ decision to take Dalton Knecht over Bub Carrington is shaping up to be one of the worst draft mistakes in recent history. Whether Knecht proves the doubters wrong or not, the fact remains that the Lakers passed on a ready-made star for a project player with a lot to prove.
The Lakers have now officially set themselves up for a toxic, drama-filled season, where every missed shot, every turnover, and every poor performance from Knecht will be magnified. Fans will never forget the opportunity they had to grab Carrington, and every time Knecht fails to deliver, the question will hang over their heads—what could have been?
If this draft choice turns out to be a bust, the Lakers will have to answer to their fanbase, their critics, and to LeBron James, whose patience is rapidly running out. The drama surrounding this pick is just beginning, and it’s going to be a long, toxic road ahead.
