Austin Reaves Admits Jealousy Over Key Attribute Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Possesses

Austin Reaves has become an integral part of the Los Angeles Lakers, proving that going undrafted doesn’t define a player’s success. The 26-year-old guard continues to make a significant impact, both on and off the court, and played a vital role in the Lakers’ dominant 134-96 victory over the Washington Wizards.

In that game, Reaves contributed 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, complementing another stellar performance from LeBron James, who led with 24 points. But while Reaves has established himself as a key figure in the Lakers’ lineup, he’s now turning his attention to helping the team’s promising rookie, Dalton Knecht.

Dalton Knecht’s Potential Impresses Austin Reaves

The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, adding a 6-foot-6 forward with an impressive offensive arsenal. Despite being in his rookie season, Knecht is already averaging 20 minutes per game, a far greater opportunity than Reaves had when he first entered the league.

Although reports suggested that the Lakers hadn’t initially planned to draft Knecht, his breakout 24-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers has already proven them right. His ability to score efficiently and his athleticism have caught the attention of teammates, including Reaves, who openly admitted his admiration—and even a bit of envy.

“He can get to the rim, he’s athletic. I’m jealous every day I see him go dunk one, and I’m like, ‘Man, I wish I could do that,’” Reaves said during an interview on The Young Men and The Three podcast.

Knecht’s High-Level Shot-Making Ability

Reaves went on to praise Knecht’s shooting ability and how he is adjusting to the league’s pace.

“His shot-making is very high off screens. He’s 6’8” and has a pretty high release. I’ve seen how hot he can get from three,” Reaves added.

Knecht has had an up-and-down start to his rookie season, averaging 9.5 points per game, but Lakers fans have been critical of his inconsistency. However, Reaves is confident that with time and the right guidance, Knecht can become a valuable asset for the team.

Reaves Offers Valuable Advice to Knecht

Joining an NBA team as a rookie is never easy, especially when playing under the bright lights of the Los Angeles Lakers. With intense fan expectations and scrutiny, every performance is put under a microscope.

Reaves, now in his fourth season with the Lakers, has been mentoring Knecht, helping him navigate the pressures of playing in a high-profile franchise.

When asked what advice he has given to Knecht, Reaves shared:
“Really just to be himself. He’s a hooper at heart—he knows how to get a bucket. If anything, it’s more about how to be effective defensively, knowing angles, sacrificing your body.”

Reaves emphasized that when Knecht plays with confidence, his talent becomes undeniable:
“He’s on an elite level when he’s shooting the ball confidently and not overthinking it.”

Lakers Hoping to Unlock Knecht’s Full Potential

With the Lakers pushing for playoff contention, they will be looking to maximize Knecht’s abilities throughout the remainder of the season. Reaves’ leadership and mentorship will play a crucial role in helping Knecht develop into a consistent scoring threat for the team.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Knecht to see if he can take the next step and justify the Lakers’ faith in drafting him. With Reaves in his corner, the rookie forward has every opportunity to thrive.