Lakers’ Breakout Rookie Dalton Knecht Impresses as Anthony Davis Pushes for More Confidence
Lakers’ Breakout Rookie Dalton Knecht Impresses as Anthony Davis Pushes for More Confidence
Projected by many to miss the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers have established a strong rhythm, delivering one of the best starts of the LeBron James era. Under first-year head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are off to a solid 9-4 start to the 2024-25 regular season, with wins over every type of opponent.
Two of the central figures during this impressive stretch have been franchise player Anthony Davis and breakout rookie Dalton Knecht.
Davis has led the Lakers with a dominant blend of offensive production and defensive prowess. Knecht, though he has faced some struggles at times, has shown flashes of brilliance, emerging as one of the team’s key contributors.
In a recent post-game interview, Davis offered the perfect assessment of Knecht, acknowledging both his potential and the areas for growth.
Anthony Davis on Dalton Knecht:
“Every time he shoots the ball, we think it’s going in. That’s why we get so frustrated when he doesn’t shoot. He’s a great player.”
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) November 17, 2024
If the only criticism from your teammates is that you’re not shooting enough, then you certainly have the tools to become the “great player” they believe you can be.
Anthony Davis Urges Dalton Knecht to Shoot More: “He’s a Great Player”
Through 13 games, Knecht is averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers made in 20.2 minutes per game. When adjusted to a per-36-minute basis, those numbers increase to 16.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 offensive rebound, 2.2 assists, and 3.1 three-pointers made.
One of the most impressive aspects of Knecht’s success, as Davis pointed out, is his shooting efficiency. When he shoots, it’s expected to go in. Evidence of this can be found in his shooting line: .484 field goal percentage, .404 from three-point range, and a perfect 1.000 free throw percentage.
While those numbers are impressive for a rookie, the Lakers are hoping to see Knecht overcome some early-season hesitation. He was drafted and integrated into the rotation because of his scoring ability, and even Davis would like to see him shoot with more confidence.
Fortunately, that trend has started to shift in the Lakers’ favor during Knecht’s best three-game stretch of his career.
Knecht’s Recent Breakout Performance
Knecht surpassed 30 minutes of playing time for the first time this season during the Lakers’ recent 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He scored a season-high 19 points, shooting 7-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also contributed three assists, two rebounds, and a steal.
In the very next game, Knecht added 14 points and three rebounds as the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 120-115. This marked the first time this season that Knecht scored at least 10 points in consecutive games.
Never one to settle for the status quo, Knecht used that momentum as a springboard for his best performance yet. In the Lakers’ 104-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Knecht tallied 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, solidifying his growing reputation as a dynamic contributor.
With his recent performances, Knecht has begun to fulfill the potential that Lakers fans have been eagerly waiting for, and his rise has only added to the excitement surrounding the team’s strong start to the season.
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