The Los Angeles Lakers have frustratingly not made any moves this offseason. The only new additions to the roster have been Dalton Knecht and Bronny James through the NBA Draft. Therefore, all eyes have been on the two rookies as they try to make their case for rotation minutes next season at the Summer League.
After Friday night's loss to the Houston Rockets at the Las Vegas Summer League, fans got more insight into what the team is planning to do with the rookies next season. Lakers Summer League and G League affiliate head coach Dane Johnson revealed that both players will "be in the G League at some point".
"I don't know about that yet, so I can't really comment on that. But I think all these guys are going to be in the G League at some point -- the draftees."
- Dane Johnson, Lakers G League Coach
This is understandable for Bronny James. He is 19 years old and doesn't have too much experience playing at the highest level. He has struggled so far in the three games he has played in the Summer League, going 0/12 from three.
However, that statement is surprising for Knecht. The former Tennessee star was considered one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft. He is 23 years old and has the skill set to fit around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Moreover, he has been putting together solid performances in the Summer League so far.
If Knecht also needs to spend some time in the G League, that is not a good sign for the Lakers. That means that he isn't ready to contribute at an NBA level which puts his future into question.
The Lakers need cheap, young contributors. That is why getting something out of Knecht and James in their rookie seasons would be huge but Johnson's statements on Friday night don't bode well about that prospect.
