LeBron James recently praised rookie Dalton Knecht’s impact in the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup, emphasizing the versatility and potential the 23-year-old brings to the team. After the Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA Cup game, James highlighted Knecht’s adaptability, saying:
“Dalton fits in anything you want to do. So he’s going to continue to make his mistakes, which is okay as a rookie, obviously, his first time experiencing these things for the first time in this league.”
“And then, offensively, he’s going to do what he needs to do. Shoots the ball extremely well. He can attack. Sneaky athletic, but good to have him on the floor, no matter what position he’s playing. He’s a piece for us.”
Knecht’s recent performances as a starter have justified his inclusion in the lineup. In seven starts this season, he has averaged 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting an impressive 52.6% from the field and 47.6% from beyond the arc. These numbers are a significant jump from his bench role, where he posted 7.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game on 45.8% shooting from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range.
Knecht’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and contribute in multiple areas has added a dynamic edge to the Lakers’ offense.
In the game against the Thunder, Knecht led the Lakers in scoring with 20 points, connecting on six three-pointers. His confident shooting and willingness to take on critical offensive responsibilities have given the team a much-needed spark, particularly when the stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have struggled to dominate. Although the Lakers fell short in the 101-93 loss, Knecht’s performance stood out as a bright spot.
LeBron’s endorsement of Knecht reflects the rookie’s growing role on the team. Adjusting to the NBA as a first-year player is never easy, but Knecht has embraced the challenge, demonstrating poise and adaptability. His ability to space the floor has been invaluable, allowing James and Davis more room to operate inside. Additionally, Knecht’s “sneaky athleticism,” as James put it, has allowed him to contribute in transition and make plays beyond just shooting.
Despite Knecht’s strong play, the Lakers face challenges as a team. Turnovers and inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc plagued them in their loss to the Thunder, while defensive lapses allowed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to dominate. However, Knecht’s emergence as a reliable scorer provides hope that the Lakers can address their issues and build around his strengths.
As the Lakers navigate a competitive Western Conference, Knecht’s development will be crucial. LeBron’s confidence in the rookie not only highlights his value but also signals a commitment to integrating young talent into the team’s pursuit of success. If Knecht continues to grow into his role, he could be a significant factor in the Lakers’ playoff aspirations.
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