Knecht's Lakers future hinges on defense and trade value

Dalton Knecht returned to the Los Angeles Lakers this week under heightened scrutiny after a rookie season that showed offensive flashes but raised questions about his defensive consistency and trade value. The 24-year-old wing, entering the second season of his rookie contract, has been part of trade conversations since last winter and was briefly included in a deal that collapsed when the receiving team's player failed a physical. Coaches and league evaluators now say his summer and preseason performances will determine whether he becomes a rotation piece or a tradeable asset.

Coach JJ Redick praised Knecht’s offensive progress during training camp, saying team data showed Knecht outscored any teammate in live-play scrimmages by a wide margin and shot roughly 60 percent in that work. "I'm very confident that when he's confident, he's a high-level offensive player in the NBA," Redick said. In Los Angeles' preseason win over Golden State, Knecht contributed 16 points and was credited with earning a start after camp. Redick nonetheless emphasized that Knecht’s long-term role depends on his defense. "It's the other stuff besides offense that he's got to just do and find that...