Bronny James Thrives While Dalton Knecht Struggles in Vegas Summer League

The Lakers came into last summer with a highly touted rookie in Dalton Knecht, and a curiosity taken in the second round in Bronny James. Bronny looked every bit like a nepo-baby in over his head last summer, and into the regular season, while Knecht played real minutes for the big club.

This summer, however, Bronny is the one who has looked far more consistent. James was the best player on the floor for the Lakers in their loss Monday night to the Summer Clippers. Knecht, meanwhile, was pretty awful throughout, continuing a summer of very lackluster play. Something worrisome given his age (24) and potentially dinged reputation after he fell out of the rotation late last year.

Should the Lakers be worried about Knecht? At the least, is it reasonable to think that LA's flexibility this offseason is being hampered by a devaluing of Knecht around the league? He's, in theory, one of their three big trade chips (Austin Reaves and their lone tradable first rounder being the others). Is that still the case? 

What does it mean for the Lakers if Knecht isn't a viable trade chip? Could it ultimately be a blessing in disguise... or a moment we all look back on as a pivot point in LA's future plans? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Dalton Knecht is struggling. 

 

SEGMENT 2: Bronny James is thriving. 

 

SEGMENT 3: What to do if you're the Lakers? 

 

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