The first three games of this first-round series have been a roller coaster for the Los Angeles Lakers. After dropping Game 1 at home, Los Angeles bounced back in Game 2 behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James before falling 116-104 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Now trailing 2-1, the Purple and Gold are scrambling for answers—and a growing chorus of fans believes fresh blood in the rotation could be one of them.
Rookie guard Dalton Knecht has flashed scoring prowess all season—he scored a career-high 37 points (including nine three-pointers) in a November win over the Jazz—and ended the year averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes across 78 games.
Yet despite his shooting ability and energy off the bench, Knecht has logged just four total playoff minutes (in Game 1 and Game 3) while other role players like 3-and-D guard Jordan Goodwin have seen extended runs.
That discrepancy has ignited social-media firestorms:
“Under no circumstances should Jordan Goodwin be getting playoff minutes over Dalton Knecht,” a fan wrote.
“Dalton Knecht scored 27 points before the playoffs started, and he’s yet to get any significant minutes in the playoffs,” a fan added.
“GIVE US DALTON KNECHT MINUTES JJ,” another demanded.
“JJ not playing Dalton at all is hilarious,” said another. “Gonna be a long summer if his stubbornness persists.
Fans argue that Knecht’s quick release and defensive tenacity could provide a jolt the Lakers sorely need. Head coach JJ Redick now faces a crucial decision: stick with his veteran rotation or give his hot-handed rookie a chance, considering he could stretch opposing defenses and ignite the bench.
