Dalton Knecht’s NBA career is off to a great start. In the 2024 NBA draft, the rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers was chosen with the 17th choice. In addition, he has already made five starts for JJ Redick’s squad.
The 23-year-old Knecht is averaging 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 45% from beyond the arc and 62% from two-point range. He is filling a position that has been impeding the Lakers’ progress for several years.
A recent edition of Marc Stein’s “The SteinLine Newsletter” featured a brief excerpt from the seasoned reporter’s discussion with a “trusted scout” on Knecht’s promising start.
If he continues to make baskets when LeBron passes to him, Stein added, “The Lakers are a perfect fit for him.” We’ve seen it for years: LeBron will like you as long as you make baskets. In addition, he has JJ [Redick] as a coach because JJ was him as a player, and AD [Anthony Davis] to defend him defensively.
Knecht’s teammates are beginning to trust him. Additionally, he is pleading for a regular spot in the starting lineup. The Lakers may have discovered a potential star, especially since he is only 16 games into his NBA career.
LeBron James’ joyful landing with the Lakers
Knecht scored 37 points against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, November 19. He drained 75% of his three-point shots and made 12 of 16 field goals. LeBron James complimented Knecht in his postgame interview and acknowledged that he is happy the rookie is with the Lakers.
James remarked, “I said the same s**t last year.” “What am I now that everyone on the internet constantly accuses me of lying? I have been expressing it. I spent a lot of time watching both him and Tennessee. I believed it would be difficult for him to fall to us. Furthermore, I don’t know how that occurred. However, I’m appreciative and thrilled he’s here.
For years, the Lakers have been in need of a real shooter. When there is enough space between LeBron and Anthony Davis, they perform at their peak. Knecht may score while moving or off the grab. Redick will therefore probably feel at ease creating plays that make the most of the rookie’s gravity.
Passing on Knecht Messed Up Opposing Teams
LeBron attacked the 16 teams that selected before the Lakers during the same postgame press conference. According to LeBron, Knecht shouldn’t have been lost to the Lakers in the middle of the first round.
James told reporters, “They [the Lakers front office] didn’t ‘find’ DK.” “The remaining sixteen teams [expletive] it up.” Was he observed by anyone? [Expletive]. They simply failed to [expletive] it. A SEC Player of the Year is not something you “find.”
Regardless of how Knecht wound up in Los Angeles, the Lakers will likely be enthusiastic about his future with the team. He has already demonstrated that he is more than just a proficient marksman. Knecht will surely get better over the next few years. He has the potential to be an important member of the Lakers’ rotation if they continue to give him minutes and have faith in his growth.
Even though Rob Pelinka like trading up young players for more seasoned players, it might be better for both him and the Laker to have the youngster on the team for the long run.
