Dalton Knecht is starting to make a significant impact for the Los Angeles Lakers after a slow start to the season. In his first 10 games, Knecht managed to score over 10 points just once. However, he’s now heating up, having scored at least 14 points in each of the last three games — all wins for the Lakers.
Given that the team lacked the salary cap flexibility to make major offseason moves, they needed Knecht, their first-round pick, to step up as a key contributor. So far, he’s proving his worth in the rotation.
Despite his recent surge, Anthony Davis believes the rookie guard has even more to offer. The Lakers’ star big man praised Knecht’s abilities while also explaining why he can sometimes get frustrated with the young player:
> “Every time he shoots the ball, I think it’s going in,” Davis said after the Lakers’ 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. “That’s why we get so frustrated and upset when he doesn’t shoot. He’s a great player — he can defend, he can shoot, he can drive, and he can pass. He can do it all. When he gets hot, it’s a huge boost for our team, and we feed off that energy. Most of the time, we make a run because of him.”
Knecht showcased his shooting prowess against the Pelicans, attempting a season-high 10 three-pointers and making five of them.
As Knecht continues to find his rhythm, his offensive spark has been a much-needed boost for the Lakers, who are looking to maximize their roster with limited resources. If he can sustain this level of performance, he could become an even more integral piece in the team’s rotation as the season progresses.
