Former Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht had a season-best shooting night on Wednesday during the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
Knecht posted 16 points in 19 minutes off the bench. He finished tied with Jarred Vanderbilt for the best +/- for the Lakers at -1.
What stands out most about Knecht’s showing is his efficiency shooting the basketball, though. The 6-foot-6 guard went 6-of-7 from the floor and 4-of-5 from three-point range. He also added two rebounds and one assist during his time on the court.
Knecht’s 16 points were the Lakers’ second-most on the team, behind only Luka Doncic’s leading 19 points. Doncic took 13 more shots than Knecht.
It was the second time this season that Knecht has recorded a season-high 16 points, but this one was way more efficient. During his 16-point showing against Portland on Oct. 27, he went 5-of-13 from the floor with a 2-of-8 showing from the three-point line. Knecht was in his bag on Wednesday night, despite the Lakers trailing by a massive number throughout the entire game.
Knecht served as a pretty good Release Valve for Luka and Reaves vs OKC.
Wonder if this is something they can build on.
When Dalton’s right, he’s a really solid wheel greasener in loosening up a stalled out Offense. pic.twitter.com/KY3KF6fLwI
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) November 13, 2025
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In 11 appearances for the Lakers this season, Knecht is averaging 7.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game on 46.5% shooting from the floor. He’s also averaging 33.3% from the three-point line.
Knecht only has four games tallying more than 10 points, but two of those have come in his last three showings for Los Angeles. Perhaps he’s finding a bit more rhythm with his shot as the season unfolds.
Knecht began his collegiate career at Northern Colorado before transferring to Tennessee for his final season in 2023. He helped lead the Volunteers to the Elite Eight before being drafted with the 17th overall pick by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
