At the time of Dalton Knecht’s selection by the Los Angeles Lakers, many applauded the franchise for rescuing him from a draft-day slide. Fast forward to 2025, and the initial enthusiasm surrounding the 2024 NBA Draft pick has rapidly diminished for general manager Rob Pelinka and the team’s front office. Once seen as a promising addition to the roster, Knecht has found himself largely out of the rotation, especially as the Lakers enjoy one of their healthiest periods of the season.
In stark contrast, several players drafted immediately after Knecht are thriving in their respective roles. Tristan Da Silva, picked 18th by the Orlando Magic, has established himself as a reliable contributor. Following an injury to star forward Paolo Banchero, Da Silva quickly stepped up, helping to fill the void and further solidify his position within the team. His ability to stretch the floor has become critical, particularly as the Lakers struggle with shooting efficiency early in the season—a painful miss for Los Angeles.
The situation is similar for Ja’Kobe Walter, drafted 19th by the Toronto Raptors. Known for his relentless defensive prowess, Walter has emerged as a dynamic bench player who effectively utilizes his athleticism. He is not only challenging his matchups on defense but also contributing offensively with a remarkable shooting percentage of 42.9% from beyond the arc. While he averages only a few attempts per game, his skill set would undoubtedly be an asset the Lakers desperately need at this moment.
Jaylon Tyson, selected as the 20th pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is providing his team with a two-way boost that further emphasizes the impact of those chosen after Knecht. After a quiet rookie season, Tyson has adapted to an off-ball role, becoming the kind of versatile player that contenders covet. In each case, Da Silva, Walter, and Tyson are collectively raising the stakes, drawing attention to Knecht’s current underperformance and the missed opportunity for the Lakers.
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The narrative has taken a somber turn for a player who once sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. With every impressive performance by those drafted right after him, the regret over Knecht’s selection grows, painting a challenging picture for his future in Los Angeles. As the season unfolds, the Lakers are left to ponder what might have been, while their current roster grapples with pressing needs that could have been addressed differently in the draft.
