The Los Angeles Lakers have been without several of their key players during the preseason so far. As expected, this has given rotational players a window of opportunity to make an impression. While most of them have failed to even make an impact, sophomore guard Dalton Knecht has grabbed this chance with both hands. The 24-year-old has emerged as the unlikely bright spot for the Purple & Gold amid a rather lackluster preseason. However, despite that he might not be in JJ Redick’s plans for the upcoming season.

But why? You might be thinking. Well, there’s no doubt that Knecht has showcased his potential in the first few exhibition games. In fact, he was phenomenal in LA’s win over the Warriors last night. He finished the game with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 34 minutes of action while going 4-of-9 from the field. However, the Lakers’ head coach thinks that while Dalton Knecht has been impressive on offense, it will be his defensive gameplay that’ll decide his future within the roster.

According to NBA Insider Dave McMenamin, “JJ Redick says Dalton Knecht has had the best offensive training camp out of any Lakers player – they track the data and he’s scored 42 points more than any other teammate in live play and at about a 60% shooting clip. But Redick says Knecht’s ceiling will be up to his defense.” The Purple & Gold’s HC lauded the shooting guard for letting the game come to him offensively and getting to the free-throw line.

However, he pointed out that how big a role he gets within the team this season will hugely depend on how much he’s improved as a defender. Last season, the six-foot-six guard was decent on the other end of the floor. Now, it seems like how many minutes he gets on a day-to-day basis will depend a lot on how much work he’s put into his defensive game during the offseason. Well, that’ll be something JJ Redick and the rest of the coaching staff will be assessing in the upcoming days or weeks.

Nonetheless, one thing is for sure: Dalton Knecht will be seeing the floor a lot more often than last season, especially given that the Lakers could use a scorer coming off the bench. Not to mention, LeBron James’ injury will also open more doors for the 24-year-old in the rotation. It’s great to see him earn some trust from his coach after what can only be described as a hectic first season within the league, something that Warriors veteran Draymond Green used against the youngster.

Draymond Green trash-talks to Dalton Knecht during Warriors-Lakers matchup

Golden State Warriors superstar Draymond Green has built a reputation around the league through his trash-talking. He has given the fans several iconic moments through his sharp words, and on Sunday, he added another moment to his collection. This time, the four-time NBA champion engaged in a verbal battle with second-year guard Dalton Knecht. It all started when LA’s DeAndre Ayton was taking a free throw during the third quarter, when Knecht and Green exchanged some words.

After which, in a clip that has now gone viral on social media, the Dubs center is heard making fun of Knecht. “Don’t talk s–t to me,” Green said to the Los Angeles Lakers guard. “You got traded and traded back.” The former Defensive Player of the Year brought light to Dalton Knecht’s failed move to Charlotte in exchange for Mark Williams, who failed a physical test, forcing the young guard to head back to Southern California.

Well, of course, this wasn’t the first time Draymond Green has engaged in a trash-talking battle with an opposing player, and it surely won’t be his last. However, this time around, the sophomore guard had the last laugh. He led his franchise to its first preseason win, as he scored 16 points for the Purple & Gold, who got the better of the Dubs, 126-116. Now, after that emphatic win over the Warriors, Dalton Knecht will be turning his focus to the Lakers’ next exhibition matchup against the Suns.