Just when the Los Angeles Lakers had secured their first win of the regular season, they were dealt a significant blow. Luka Dončić, the standout performer, is now sidelined for at least a week due to a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Now with both Dončić and LeBron James, who is out with sciatica, unavailable, Trevor Lane of Laker Nation has an idea already planned out on who the Lakers will put their trust in.

Lane suggested that the Lakers could benefit from untapped potential already present in their roster. He stated, “In terms of the rotation, I think that’s what this means is Dalton Knecht, this is your chance. He’s going to have to play. He’s going to have to shoot. He’s going to have to score.” Knecht who has not played the first two regular season games, was also falling back in performance during the Lakers’ pre-season games. But may be now his time has finally arrived.

And let’s be honest, the Lakers do not have many options left in their roster. At least not the best performing ones. And that is exactly why Trevor thinks that this might be Knecht’s time. “This is going to be an opportunity for Dalton Knecht to step in and show that he is over whatever was going on over the summer, that he’s ready to move forward, and that he can be a real part of this rotation.”, he further explained.

Austin Reaves who was already stepping up with Luka, against the Golden State Warriors, Reaves played 36 minutes, scoring 26 points. If we count game 2 against the Twolves, he was averaging 25.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game. Lane suggests that these are the starting lineups that Lakers have to look at now.

This could include Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura. Lane emphasizes the urgency, stating, “The Lakers, like I said, they are running out of players at this point. They just don’t have the depth to put guys out there.”

This week is going to be pivotal for the Lakers, since we do not know when Luka will return, so they really have to broaden the choices that they make, will it be risky? Well only time will tell.

On the topic of Dončić’s return, NBA reported Jovan Buha notes on X that it is highly unlikely he will be back within a week, tweeting, “Also worth noting that LA plays MIA next Sunday and then at POR on Monday. Seems unlikely Doncic goes from missing a week to immediately playing in a b2b. Maybe he returns for one of those games, but seems like LA will likely be without him for at least 5 of the next 6 games.” This means the Lakers really have no other choice.

Trevor Lane reminds the Lakers that, “That really cuts things down real quick, to the point where now Dalton Knecht, who initially would not be a guy who would be part of the rotation, at least based on how he played in preseason and back in Summer League, I think now has to be.” But why was Knecht not part of the rotation?

Dalton Knecht was labelled as a ‘Negative Asset’

Dalton Knecht had to endure a difficult preseason that left NBA scouts skeptical of his potential. He entered the 2025-26 season under intense scrutiny. As Doric Sam of The Athletic reported on October 8, 2025, some evaluators labeled Knecht a “negative asset.” It means the Lakers would likely need to attach additional pieces to make a trade work.

Knecht also struggled through the preseason opener. Despite averaging 9.1 points in 78 games as a rookie, his early setbacks raised questions about his ability to contribute this season. Scouts also noted that the Lakers are not trading him because any offer would not match the potential value of the No. 17 pick they used on him in 2024. Yet the Lakers did not let him go.

By mid-October, the Lakers demonstrated a measure of faith in Knecht’s potential. They did so, by exercising his contract option for the 2026-27 season at $4.2 million, as ESPN’s Dave McMenamin confirmed.

Yet, Knecht did not see a single minute in the season opener, instead he earned a DNP. He was being touted as a capable three-point shooter, but his inconsistent preseason performances left him on the sidelines. Even some younger or less-proven players have received opportunities under JJ Redick.

The Lakers have an uphill battle to face. LeBron James’ absence was already harsh on the roster. And now with Luka gone, the team has to lean on rotation regulars. This makes it critical for Knecht to step up if he hopes to earn meaningful minutes.

His talent is undoubtedly evident, but he must overcome the inconsistencies now. And now is his chance to do so.