Heartbreaking! The Lakers Summer League defeat ruined the biggest trading asset

Kneckett is not loved by everyone, and the Los Angeles Lakers are no exception. The NBA Summer League has ended, and the Los Angeles Lakers are the most disappointing team in this round of the series. They have only achieved a record of 1 win and 4 losses, which is one of the Lakers' most poor performances in the summer league in recent years. Although Brownie James performed well in the focus matchup with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, rookie Cole Sweed averaged more than 17 points per game and shot over 40% from three-pointers, this cannot cover up the poor performance of Dalton Knector, a team leader who is regarded as the Lakers in the summer league, which also brought unexpected serious consequences to the Lakers.

24-year-old Kneckett played in the Las Vegas Summer League for 3 games, and it was the poor performance of these three games that cost him a heavy price. In these three games, Kneckett averaged only 10.3 points per game, shooting as low as 27.9%, and three-point shooting percentage was only 23.8%.

According to the Lakers reporter Yowan Buha of The Athletic, the value of Kneckett's trading value has shrunk significantly after the summer league. No team is said to have offered a first-round pick as a bargaining chip in the trade discussion involving the former Tennessee star. After the Lakers introduced Marcus Smart, Kneckett's name appeared in trading rumors, but now the Lakers may not be able to exchange even a valuable bargaining chip. This is undoubtedly a cruel reality for this player who was once regarded as the 2024 NBA draft pick.

As the No. 17 pick in the first round last year, Kneckett showed good potential in his rookie season: he played 78 games, averaged 9.1 points per game, and shot 37.6% from three-pointers. There were even reports in the mid-season that the Lakers considered sending him away for a trade to trade Mark Williams, but eventually chose to bet on his long-term potential and gave up the deal.

But what about now? He became an optional name in the lineup rotation, once regarded as a dangerous shooter and breakthrough player, and his struggle in the summer league has caused serious doubts about his offensive positioning and future role.

However, the Lakers' hopes are not completely extinguished. Kneckett had a comeback performance in the California Classic, scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds in 29 minutes and shooting 50% from three-pointers. This is perhaps his best performance all summer. Although his form has not been able to continue into the Las Vegas Summer League, it is enough to keep him in the opportunity to compete for a substitute shooting guard, and the Lakers' position is still waiting for it.

As the transaction value falls to the bottom, Knector's best choice may be to prove himself in the team. If he can fight to enter JJ Redick's rotation, doubts about his future may subside and trading rumors may disappear completely. But if the struggle continues, his future may be completely out of reach with Los Angeles.