The Los Angeles Lakers acquired what was said around the NBA world to be the steal of the draft. The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick and he became a spotlight throughout the season. He gained more spotlight during the trade deadline after an unexpected trade involving his name. That trade would’ve sent him and Cam Reddish to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams. A few days later, the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical exam.
Such a shock out of nowhere, that it can leave a rookie quite stunned and in a vast mix of emotions. Since then, he’s expressed his joy and love for the game and just wants to continue to play basketball. He has shown it as his game continues to grow while getting more comfortable despite the small bump in the road for his NBA career.
Lakers’ Dalton Knecht Feeling More Comfortable
Currently, the Lakers wing is averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists on 46.4% shooting from the field and 36.4% shooting from beyond the arc. Knecht ranks within the top 10 for points per game by a rookie. This past Friday, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets, Knecht would put on a show in 37 minutes, he poured in 32 points, knocking down five three. The Tennessee product also tied an NBA rookie record with nine threes for a total of 37 points back in November against the Utah Jazz. Of course, the increased minutes were the result of several Lakers starters out due to injuries, with Rui Hachimura recovering from a left knee injury and LeBron James out with a groin injury.
Knecht’s recent increase in minutes is phenomenal for his game, it is boosting his confidence and comfortability for when he’s back to his primary role. There had been some concerns about Knecht since his return with the purple and gold, whether he would be checked out mentally or emotionally. Despite all the noise, Knecht has silenced it. His game continues to excel and has the utmost support of his teammates and coaching staff. With just over a month since the trade, it’s safe to say Knecht is on the right track moving forward.
Productivity Off the Bench
With the new teammate in Luka Dončić, Knecht has been loving his new teammate’s elite passing capabilities. It’s been giving him a lot more space to operate as a scorer while finding even more open looks from three. The combination of Dončić and James has been excellent for the production that Knecht produces. Off the bench, Knecht had 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block across 20 minutes during Monday’s 125-109 win over San Antonio. As of recent, he has scored in double digits in seven of his last nine appearances. Over that stretch, Knecht is averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
Knecht has proven to be one of the best rookies; he is a well-rounded and polished scorer. Whether it’s his marksmanship from beyond the arc, pull-up midrange game, or even finishing at the rim, Knecht has established himself as an essential source of offense coming off the bench. Especially with a second unit that is more strong defensively, his production is going to be a crucial part of this team moving forward. Both Knecht and Gabe Vincent will be key factors for the Lakers’ offense off the bench as the playoffs near.
Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
