"Would Be Knocked Out"

[ShawofMordor]

On Dragonite ex's Dragon Roar attack it reads:

Put 8 damage counters on the defending Pokemon. If the defending Pokemon would be knocked out by this attack, put any damage counters not neccessary to knock out the defending Pokemon on your opponent's Benched Pokemon in any way you like.

So let's say I am attacking a Latios ex d that has just used Ice Barrier, which essentially gives it safeguard for a turn.

Obviously, if I attack it does nothing to Latios ex d.

BUT!!!!!!!

It says "If the defending Pokemon WOULD BE knocked out." It doesn't say "IF the defending Pokemon IS knocked out."

So I wonder, let's say Latios ex d has 10 HP left...1 counter would knock it out.

Can I place the other 7 on the benched Pokemon, even though Latios ex d would technically not be knocked out?

[PokePop]

No. The KO has to be imminent, actually happening.
Remember, you don't remove a KO'd Pokemon until all effects are finished.
That's what the "would be" refers to.