Dalton Knecht came into this NBA Summer League with a lot to prove. His rookie year was a rollercoaster—his role was never consistent, he was almost traded to Charlotte for Mark Williams, and his confidence took a hit. This summer was his chance to show the Lakers he was a guy they could build around.
But through the first few games in Vegas, things weren’t going according to plan. His shot just wasn’t falling, and he didn’t have the polish that Lakers fans were hoping to see. That pressure was on full display Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks, in a game where all eyes were on the debut of No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and the Lakers’ own Bronny James.
While the cameras focused on the two big names, Knecht was just trying to find a rhythm. It was another tough night from the field for him, going just 6-for-16. Then, late in a tight game, a tough night got a whole lot scarier.
After going up for a layup, Knecht landed awkwardly and immediately started grabbing at his leg. As the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike tweeted, the concern was obvious: “Dalton Knecht was grabbing at his knee, leg after missing that last layup. Hobbled through the next play and the Lakers have to take a timeout and get him out of the game.” The visuals were not good. Knecht was clearly in pain on the bench, a tough sight for a player who really can’t afford a setback.
The Lakers held their breath. But after the team’s narrow 87-85 loss, coach Lindsey Harding delivered some good news that let everyone exhale. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported it straight from the source: “Dalton Knecht exited tonight’s game late with a calf cramp, per Lakers summer league coach Lindsey Harding.”
Dalton Knecht exited tonight’s game late with a calf cramp, per Lakers summer league coach Lindsey Harding.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 11, 2025
(This is a developing story…)
The post Lakers Coach Lindsey Announces Dalton Knecht Injury Update After Concerning Visuals From Mavs Game appeared first on EssentiallySports.
