Lakers Future at Risk as Dalton Knecht’s Selfish Attitude Creates a Locker Room Nightmare

When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht, fans expected a sharpshooter who could complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Instead, they got a ticking time bomb with a toxic attitude, and the latest January 30 outburst proves it’s only getting worse. But let’s be real—this wasn’t the first time Knecht has caused chaos.

JJ Redick Snaps at Dalton Knecht—The Locker Room Is Tired of Him

The Lakers’ loss on January 30, 2025, wasn’t just another bad game—it exposed the growing rift between Knecht and the team. During a heated timeout, head coach JJ Redick was caught on camera yelling at Knecht, visibly frustrated with his performance and attitude. The footage quickly went viral, showing Redick completely losing his patience with the young guard.

It’s not hard to see why Redick reached his breaking point. Knecht made a costly defensive mistake, allowing the opponent to score an easy basket. Instead of taking responsibility, Knecht reportedly shifted the blame to his teammates, refused to acknowledge his error, and even rolled his eyes at the coaching staff. His lack of accountability wasn’t just frustrating for Redick—it was an insult to the entire team.

This isn’t the type of behavior you expect from a rookie trying to earn his spot in the NBA. Most young players are hungry to learn, eager to improve, and willing to take criticism. Knecht, on the other hand, acts like he’s already a superstar who doesn’t need to listen to anyone. That attitude is toxic, and it’s starting to affect the Lakers’ chemistry.

Dalton Knecht Almost Got Traded—And He Knew It

Knecht’s tantrums go beyond just one game. Sources reveal that he was initially part of the Lakers’ trade talks for Luka Dončić, but the front office ultimately decided to swap Anthony Davis instead. The fact that Knecht was even considered expendable speaks volumes—clearly, the Lakers aren’t as invested in him as fans thought.

And Knecht knew about the trade rumors. Insiders say that ever since he caught wind of his name being involved in trade discussions, his effort and focus have completely collapsed. Instead of proving his worth and showing the Lakers why they should keep him, Knecht has become distracted, unfocused, and visibly frustrated on the court.

Rather than using the trade rumors as motivation, Knecht has been sulking and playing with zero intensity. His shot selection has been questionable, his defense has been lazy, and his overall demeanor screams entitlement rather than determination. Instead of stepping up like a professional, he’s acting like a player who thinks he deserves everything without putting in the work.

A Pattern of Entitlement and Self-Destruction

Knecht’s recent meltdown isn’t an isolated event—it’s part of a disturbing pattern that has followed him since he entered the league. Time and time again, he has shown flashes of arrogance, poor body language, and a complete refusal to accept criticism.

His relationship with the Lakers’ veterans has been rocky at best. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have reportedly tried to mentor him, but Knecht has been resistant to advice and unwilling to adjust his game. Instead of embracing the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the league, he seems more interested in proving that he doesn’t need their guidance. That attitude isn’t just disrespectful—it’s self-sabotage.

Knecht’s defensive effort has also been a major problem. Coming into the NBA, scouts already questioned whether he had the discipline to be a solid defender, and so far, he has done nothing to prove them wrong. He routinely gets caught ball-watching, fails to fight through screens, and shows little to no effort in transition defense. The coaching staff is tired of making excuses for him, and Redick’s outburst on January 30 was proof that they’re done covering for his mistakes.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about Knecht’s situation is his inability to put the team above his ego. Instead of focusing on helping the Lakers win games, he seems more preoccupied with proving himself as an individual star. His shot selection has been questionable, often forcing up difficult attempts instead of making the extra pass. His attitude on the bench has been dismissive, showing little engagement when he’s not on the floor. The Lakers don’t need a player who thinks he’s bigger than the team—they need someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

What’s Next? More Drama or a Wake-Up Call?

With JJ Redick losing patience and the Lakers already willing to trade him once, Knecht is officially on thin ice. If he doesn’t fix his attitude, he won’t last in LA. But let’s be real—is he even capable of changing?

The Lakers took a chance on Knecht, hoping that he could be a key piece for the future. Instead, they’ve gotten a player who is more focused on his own ego than on the success of the team. The question now is whether the front office still believes in him or if they’re already looking for ways to move on.

One thing is clear: if Dalton Knecht doesn’t make some serious changes, he won’t be wearing a Lakers jersey for much longer.