The Los Angeles Lakers scored a solid win in their second preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, Oct. 12, beating them 126–116. Dalton Knecht, the sophomore forward, had a good night, scoring 16 points with three rebounds and two assists. After the game, he was asked a simple question: Who’s been the toughest defender so far in training camp? His answer came as a surprise.
Whom Did Dalton Knecht Name as the Toughest Defender?
Knecht had a good outing against the Warriors. In the post-game presser, when he was asked to name the toughest defender he faced during the training camp, without hesitation, Knecht pointed to one teammate. And it wasn’t DeAndre Ayton, who has been brought in to strengthen the Lakers’ front court.
“My guy Vando for sure,” Knecht said. “Me and him worked a little bit throughout the summer. Just going out and competing against him playing one’s. And then go against five’s and stuff like that.”
That “Vando” is Jarred Vanderbilt, one of the Lakers’ most relentless defenders and energy guys. Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility has made him a favorite among the coaching staff, and it seems Knecht has been using that to his advantage.
Knecht’s acknowledgment shows how seriously he’s taken his offseason work. Going toe-to-toe with Vanderbilt–a player known for his defensive motor is no small task. For a shooter like Knecht, it’s the kind of challenge that sharpens offensive instincts and builds toughness.
It also shows his determination to bounce back after an uneven rookie campaign. Last season, Knecht started strong but faded as the year progressed, eventually seeing his minutes dip. He finished his first NBA season averaging 9.1 points on 37.6% shooting from deep in 78 games, solid for a rookie, but short of the spark the Lakers hoped he’d sustain.
Where Does Knecht Fit in the Lakers’ Plans?
Knecht’s road hasn’t been smooth since his debut season ended. At the trade deadline, the Lakers shipped him along with Cam Reddish, a future pick swap, and their 2031 first-rounder to the Charlotte Hornets for big man Mark Williams. But that deal fell apart when Williams reportedly failed his physical, sending Knecht back to Los Angeles before he could unpack.
That experience, as messy as it was, left him fighting for a place on a team suddenly rich with wings and guards. The Lakers added Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and a healthy Vanderbilt, crowding the rotation and raising the pressure on Knecht to carve out his role.
Under head coach JJ Redick, there’s optimism that player development will take a front seat, and Knecht might benefit from that. His offensive talent, particularly his movement shooting and floor spacing, fits what Redick preaches. But there’s no guarantee of steady minutes once the season begins.
Still, the Tennessee product seems ready for the challenge. His focus on competing against defensive anchors like Vanderbilt shows maturity beyond his years. The Lakers need players who can thrive under pressure and bring consistent two-way effort off the bench, and Knecht appears intent on proving he can be that guy.
