As the Los Angeles Lakers continue their pursuit of NBA glory, a new name is capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike—Dalton Knecht. Drafted as the No. 17 pick, Knecht is quickly proving to be a pivotal addition to the Lakers’ lineup. This rookie has not only showcased his potential through impressive performances but has also become a beacon of optimism for a franchise seeking to reclaim its past glory.
A Promising Start
Knecht's introduction to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. The young forward hit a career-high note by scoring 37 points against the Utah Jazz, tying a rookie record with an astounding nine 3-pointers in a single game. This performance solidified his reputation as a sharpshooter, much to the delight of Lakers Vice President Rob Pelinka. "We, as a front office, have sort of chased in theory the exact player he is, a movement shooter. And then not only is he a movement shooter, but a movement shooter with athleticism, which is a really unique combination," Pelinka noted.
His debut season hasn't been without its challenges, however. In his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies, Knecht was forced out of the game after being elbowed in the face by opponent Jake LaRavia. Despite this setback, Knecht demonstrated resilience and determination by returning to lead the Lakers in another matchup against the Grizzlies, scoring 19 points while maintaining a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
A Journey to the NBA
Before joining the NBA, Knecht's journey took him through two seasons of junior college, followed by two years at Northern Colorado, and finally, a transformative season at the University of Tennessee. There, he earned All-American honors, leaving a significant mark in collegiate basketball. His dynamic play style and sharpshooting ability caught the attention of many scouts, though in his words, "Teams passed up on me and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did."
Knecht’s shooting prowess has been a valuable asset for the Lakers, particularly in a league where 3-point efficiency is king. Currently shooting an impressive 46.4% from beyond the arc following his first season start, Knecht adds a much-needed dimension to a Lakers offense that currently ranks fifth in the league overall, yet stands at a less stellar 22nd in 3-point shooting.
Beyond the Court
Though Knecht’s on-court contributions are garnering significant buzz, his personality off the court is also becoming an intriguing topic of discussion. Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark shared insights into Knecht’s character: "Some people have met him and they're like, 'Yeah, he doesn't talk much, right?' And then people that know him are like, 'Man, that dude's funny as hell.'" This duality adds to the intrigue surrounding the young athlete as he navigates his early NBA career.
Future Expectations
As he continues to carve out his niche within the NBA, Knecht has played eight games in his professional career so far, pacing himself with the eagerness of a rookie and the composure of a seasoned player. The pressure of living up to his draft status looms, yet he appears unfazed, embracing the hurdles and honing his craft with every game.
As veteran NBA executive Gregg Polinsky aptly remarked about the draft process, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do." By these standards, Knecht stands as a testament to a well-placed bet on potential. For the Lakers, his emergence might just be the piece they needed to add depth and innovation to their evolving playbook.
While it's still early days for Dalton Knecht in the NBA crucible, his initial impact has been profound. With each game, he has the opportunity to rewrite expectations and contribute to the storied legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers, a prospect that fans are likely to follow with eager anticipation.