The Los Angeles Lakers continue to stack wins, heading into the playoffs under first-year head coach JJ Redick.
Los Angeles currently sits at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings with a 47-30 record. They picked up a 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Following the game, Redick spoke with the media, sharing his thoughts on the Lakers' lineup as the postseason nears.
While it's clear the Lakers have a star-studded group led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Redick has made it clear that Los Angeles' role players can make or break the team in crucial situations.
He spoke on the role of rookie Dalton Knecht, mentioning that the Lakers have confidence in his ability to help them win in the postseason.
"We haven't given up on Dalton," Redick said. "We feel like he can help us win a game in the playoffs."
JJ Redick on Dalton Knecht: "We haven't given up on Dalton. We feel like he can help us win a game in the playoffs." #Lakeshow
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) April 5, 2025
Knecht started off his rookie season with the Lakers with a relatively strong role in the lineup, serving as a solid offensive weapon for Los Angeles.
As the season moved forward, Knecht's minutes diminished and he was eventually traded to the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the trade deadline.
That trade was ultimately rescinded due to a failed physical from Hornets center Mark Williams, leaving Knecht in an awkward situation.
Throughout the past five games, where Knecht has been active, he has averaged 8.4 minutes per game. He hasn't seen consistent minutes since the trade deadline, having played four minutes against the Houston Rockets and 20 minutes against the Pelicans.
In the Lakers' win over New Orleans, Knecht posted 12 points and one rebound.
While he's been streaky in terms of production, Redick made it clear that the Lakers value Knecht.
