Can Lakers rookies Dalton Knecht, Bronny James make opening-day rotation?

New head coach JJ Redick has stated that he wants to implement a nine-man rotation for the Lakers during the 2024-25 season. However, this plan might be overly ambitious in today’s NBA, where most teams use 10 or even 11 players for regular minutes. 

Complicating matters, L.A.’s lineup includes LeBron James, the league’s oldest veteran, who will likely need his playing time reduced to stay fresh for a playoff run. Additionally, with key contributors Jared Vanderbilt and Christian Wood sidelined, an opportunity has emerged for rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James to potentially earn a spot in the opening-day rotation.

Dalton Knecht

In the Lakers’ first two preseason games, Knecht has become a valuable asset, logging more minutes than any other reserve player except Max Christie. Knecht has showcased advanced shot-making skills, scoring from all levels of the court. He’s consistently knocked down three-pointers off screens, and operated efficiently out of the pick-and-roll, popping from midrange or attacking the rim. Knecht’s even been featured on the baseline in the dunkers spot where he’s thrown it down a couple of times off two feet. Despite a 3-of-9 shooting performance against the Suns on Sunday, Knecht is averaging 11.5 points per game this preseason, tied with Christie for the team lead in scoring among bench players.

On defense, Knecht has struggled at times, particularly when guarding stronger wings driving into the paint. Lacking the upper-body strength of more experienced NBA players, he can be overpowered when opponents lower their shoulder and run through him toward the hoop. However, he has demonstrated a solid grasp of Redick’s defensive scheme, often switching onto perimeter shooters with ease.

The Lakers usually don’t rely heavily on rookies, but at 23, Knecht isn’t your typical first-year player. Aside from D’Angelo Russell, he might already be the team’s most reliable shooter. In a league where shot-making generally takes precedence over lockdown defense, Knecht has a real chance to earn 12 to 15 minutes off the bench to start the season — at least until Vanderbilt returns.

Bronny James

James’ preseason has unfolded quite differently from fellow rookie Knecht’s. While he had a few lapses against the Suns, James has consistently exhibited impressive defensive instincts, regularly jumping passing lanes, cutting off drives to the rim, and contesting outside shots. At just 6-foot-2, James is tied with center Jaxon Hayes for the most blocks on the Lakers during the preseason, with three, displaying his versatility on the less glamorous end.

On offense, however, James has struggled significantly. After connecting on only 15.8% from beyond the arc and 35.0% overall during the Summer League against fellow rookies and fringe players trying to make the backend of a roster, he has continued to underperform in the Lakers’ two preseason games, going 1-of-7 from the field. Facing real defenders from the Timberwolves and Suns, he often looked outmatched. James lacks NBA-level ball-handling skills, hindering his ability to drive past opposing players or create separation, leading to forced, off-balance shots. His three-point stroke has been particularly concerning. His catch-and-shoot mechanics are solid, but the results haven’t been there. James has appeared tense and often misses badly.

It’s not hyperbole to say that James might have the most limited offensive game in the league right now. Compared to other established defensive specialists like Matisse Thybulle or Davion Mitchell, his scoring ability lags far behind. While James is well-liked by his teammates and is known as one of the hardest workers on the Lakers, his offensive struggles make it highly unlikely for him to earn a spot in the rotation this season. 

This puts Redick in a challenging position: He wants to maintain harmony with LeBron, the team’s clear leader, but if he continues to give Bronny more preseason minutes than Gabe Vincent or Cam Reddish — two players who are NBA-ready — it risks creating the perception of preferential treatment.