The Los Angeles Lakers added significant depth behind Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James this past summer, and that strategy is already paying off. Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart have stepped up during recent injury absences, proving this veteran squad knows how to stay ready. However, the spotlight now shifts to the youth movement.
Why Did the Lakers Recall Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero?
Los Angeles made a move for more energy on the morning of Dec. 17, calling up two young players hungry for rotation minutes. According to Lakers reporter Ryan Ward, the franchise recalled Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero from the South Bay Lakers. Neither player has carved out a significant role this season, but the team’s current health situation could force them into action.
The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled guard Dalton Knecht and forward Adou Thiero from the South Bay Lakers.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) December 17, 2025
This roster shuffle comes as Reaves is set to miss at least one week due to a calf strain he suffered before the Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 14. The star guard’s absence opens the door for Marcus Smart to step into the starting shooting guard role. With Gabe Vincent handling most of the backup point guard duties, this leaves a clear opportunity for Knecht to snag some reserve shooting guard minutes.
The Lakers initially sent Knecht down to the G-League because he wasn’t cracking the rotation, a decision head coach JJ Redick spoke about candidly. “He needs to play. He’s gonna get opportunities on this team … Right now, he needs to play, and he needs to have fun playing,” said Redick. With Reaves out, that opportunity might have arrived sooner than expected.
Knecht plays 15.1 minutes per game this season, averaging 6.4 points on 36.2% from beyond the arc. His playing time has decreased by over four minutes from his rookie campaign, but his skill set is still valuable. The Lakers lost a crucial shot creator, playmaker, ball handler, and shooter in Reaves. While Knecht can’t operate on the ball like Reaves, his 3-point spacing will open up drive-and-kick lanes for downhill threats like Dončić and James.
MORE: 3-Time NBA All-Star Urges Lakers To ‘Answer’ Austin Reaves Trade Calls
Los Angeles drafted Thiero with the 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, though he started his pro career on the sidelines recovering from a left knee injury suffered at the University of Arkansas. He totaled 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in his third and final NCAA season. Thiero enters the league with great defensive instincts and a high motor, traits he showed while frequently guarding the opposition’s best perimeter scorer in college.
Thiero has played nine games for the Lakers, averaging 5.8 minutes. In contrast to his defense, he struggles from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old has not attempted an NBA 3-pointer and shot just 25.6% on 1.6 attempts from deep at Arkansas. While Thiero brings defensive upside, Knecht is more likely to play regular minutes while Reaves remains sidelined.
