Knecht’s Bench Role Sparks Debate as Lakers Struggle in Two Straight Losses

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing mounting questions after two consecutive blowout losses, with much of the focus on rookie Dalton Knecht’s diminished role. Head coach JJ Redick‘s decision to return Knecht to the bench after his red-hot run as a starter has left fans and analysts alike wondering if the move has disrupted the team’s offensive flow.

Knecht’s Stellar Performance as a Starter

Knecht’s brief stint in the starting lineup showcased his potential as a game-changer. Over four games, the rookie averaged:

• 23.8 points per game,
• 4.8 rebounds,
• A phenomenal 60.3% shooting from the field, including 57.6% from beyond the arc.

These numbers highlighted Knecht’s ability to thrive alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, where his elite shooting stretched opposing defenses to their breaking point.

The Impact of Returning to the Bench

Since returning to the bench, Knecht’s performance has dropped off dramatically:

• Just 16 points across two games.
• 2-for-8 from three-point range, a stark contrast to his earlier efficiency.

Moreover, the Lakers were outclassed in both contests, further fueling criticism of Redick’s decision to revert to his original starting lineup of James, Davis, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, and Austin Reaves.

JJ Redick’s Dilemma

The first-year head coach has acknowledged the potential misstep, telling Spectrum SportsNet:
“Maybe there is something to the flow that he can get to and the rhythm he can get to as a starter. Everything is always up for discussion… We’ll look at everything.”

This openness to adjustments is not new for Redick. He previously moved D’Angelo Russell to the bench in favor of Reddish to address defensive shortcomings. However, Knecht’s situation is unique. His shooting, especially alongside James and Davis, provides spacing and scoring opportunities that bench units featuring Russell and Jaxson Hayes struggle to replicate.

Balancing Offense and Defense

The dilemma grows more complex when considering Reddish’s role. While Knecht’s offense is undeniable, Reddish brings much-needed defensive grit to a team struggling on that end. Redick has repeatedly praised Reddish’s willingness to handle tough defensive assignments, calling him a “key to balancing our lineup.”

Swapping Reddish for Knecht could reinvigorate the Lakers’ offense but risks exposing their already vulnerable defense.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

For Redick, the challenge isn’t just about selecting the best five players; it’s about crafting combinations that optimize each player’s strengths. As the Lakers sit precariously in the standings, finding the right mix is more urgent than ever.