Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Faces Growing Pains After Hot Start

The Los Angeles Lakers rookie, Dalton Knecht, burst onto the scene in November, providing a significant spark alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the former No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has hit a rough patch, leading to questions about his consistency and the team’s performance in a tough Western Conference.

A Scorching Start

During a nine-game stretch in mid-to-late November, Knecht dazzled Lakers fans with his shooting and scoring ability:

• 19 points per game
• 55% field goal percentage
• 52% from beyond the arc on nearly eight attempts per game
• Started six games, logging over 30 minutes per outing

His sharp shooting and ability to stretch the floor made him a perfect complement to the Lakers’ heliocentric offense, even allowing him to look like a potential third star alongside LeBron and AD.

Recent Struggles

Fast forward to December, and Knecht has cooled off significantly:

• 13 minutes in Sunday’s win against the Grizzlies, scoring just five points on 2-of-4 shooting
• Over the last six games:
  • 6.7 points per game
  • 36% shooting overall
  • 13% from three on four attempts per game

This slump has coincided with the Lakers’ struggles, as the team managed just two wins in six games, narrowly defeating the Jazz and Trail Blazers while falling to the Timberwolves, Heat, and Hawks.

Season Overview

Despite the recent downturn, Knecht’s season stats remain respectable:

• 10.8 points per game
• 38% 3-point shooting

He continues to show flashes of being the perfect role player for the Lakers’ system, but his ability to adapt and bounce back from this slump will be critical as the team battles for playoff positioning.

Impact on the Lakers’ Western Conference Hopes

Knecht’s early-season performance highlighted the importance of a reliable third option for the Lakers’ success. With LeBron James carrying a heavy load at age 39 and Anthony Davis battling occasional inconsistency, Knecht’s resurgence could be pivotal.

To compete in a deep Western Conference, the Lakers will need Knecht to rediscover his November form, particularly as teams key in on LeBron and AD. These questions will define not only Knecht’s rookie campaign but also the Lakers’ ability to make a deep playoff run.

Looking Ahead

Despite this rough patch, Dalton Knecht has already shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. With the right adjustments and support from the coaching staff, he could emerge as a critical player for the Lakers’ success.

As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Lakers’ promising rookie to see if he can rediscover his early magic and help the team contend in one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

As the Lakers push through the grueling NBA schedule, the development of Dalton Knecht will be closely watched. Will he overcome the rookie wall and provide the scoring punch the Lakers desperately need? The answer could determine whether the team remains a serious contender in the 2024-25 NBA season.

Stay tuned as Knecht looks to shake off his slump and prove why he was a worthy first-round pick for the purple and gold.