Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Takes His Shot and Nails It

Dalton Knecht, the rookie sensation for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been turning heads with his dynamic shooting and fearless playing style. After scoring a career-high 27 points to help the Lakers secure a win against the Pelicans, Knecht’s star is on the rise. His journey to this moment has been full of challenges, but it’s clear that the Lakers’ confidence in him is well-placed.

A Confident Rookie with a Fearless Mindset

Still sweating from his standout performance against the Pelicans, Dalton Knecht took a moment to catch his breath before talking to the press. As a Tennessee Volunteers fan, he was distracted by a college game on his phone, but his attention quickly turned back to the Lakers. Knecht’s journey has been nothing short of a dream for the rookie, as he was drafted 17th overall despite many experts projecting him to go much higher. His age (23) and concerns about his defensive skills led to a surprising slide, which the Lakers took full advantage of.

The Lakers’ Secret Weapon

From day one, Knecht has had the green light to shoot, with coach JJ Redick empowering him to take any shot. “It’s always good to have a coach like that, that’s super confident in you,” Knecht said, praising Redick’s trust in his abilities. Redick’s confidence in Knecht has allowed the rookie to express himself on the court without hesitation, even when taking what might seem like “crazy” shots. Knecht, however, has a different mindset: “Every time I shoot the ball, I think it’s a great shot.“

A Hidden Gem for the Lakers

The Lakers weren’t expecting Knecht to be available at the 17th pick, but when he slipped through, they didn’t hesitate to grab him. While some teams were hesitant due to his age and defensive struggles, Knecht’s ability to score at multiple levels — from three-point range to driving the basket — made him an invaluable asset for a team in need of shooting. The Lakers, desperate to add shooting depth, found the perfect fit in Knecht, a player who could bring much-needed scoring off the bench or as a starter.

From Preseason Hero to Regular Contributor

Knecht’s preseason performance turned heads, especially after a jaw-dropping 35-point outing against Phoenix, where he scored 25 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. His performance even earned him the nickname “Westside Knecht” from Snoop Dogg on ESPN. However, like many rookies, Knecht faced adversity once the regular season started. Despite early struggles, including a slump in shooting percentage, Knecht’s persistence paid off.

Redick, never wavering in his confidence, continued to believe in Knecht’s shooting ability, and soon enough, the rookie’s shooting touch returned. He began to hit critical shots, including a perfect 5-for-5 performance from beyond the arc against the Memphis Grizzlies, followed by strong outings against the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans.

Rising to the Occasion

As Knecht’s role with the Lakers grows, his performances have started to match the team’s expectations. With Rui Hachimura sidelined due to injury, Knecht stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a steady performance, scoring 14 points against the Spurs. His 27-point career high against the Pelicans demonstrated his ability to take over a game, making him a key contributor to the Lakers’ offense.

LeBron James praised Knecht’s maturity and confidence, noting, “It’s no surprise to me,” after his standout performance. Knecht’s ability to make big-time shots when it matters most has been a huge boost for the Lakers, and his teammates are now looking for him to continue hitting those crucial shots.

The Lakers’ Secret Weapon for the Future

While his defense is still a work in progress, Knecht’s offensive potential is undeniable. Anthony Davis has already compared him to NBA stars like Damian Lillard, noting that his experience in college has prepared him for the pro level. “He doesn’t need the confidence,” Davis said. “He takes big-time shots, he makes big-time shots.” Knecht’s growth as a shooter and scorer has the Lakers excited about his future with the team.

In just his 13th game in the NBA, Knecht has already shown the kind of growth mindset that could lead to a long and successful career. His ability to shake off bad games and bounce back stronger has proven that the Lakers may have found a hidden gem in the 2023 NBA Draft.