Knecht compiled 13 points (5-16 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, four assists and a steal across 34 minutes in Thursday's 107-102 win over the Bucks.
Knecht had difficulty finding the bottom of the basket on most of his perimeter shots, but the 2024 first-round pick logged the most minutes on the floor Thursday and seems to be getting every opportunity to prove his worth. The Tennessee product's chances of breaking into the first unit are slim, but he seems to have an inside track to a good deal of reserve work as a rookie.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Shines in preseason debut
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Knecht scored 16 points (7-13 FG, 2-7 3Pt) while adding three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 25 minutes off the bench during Friday's preseason loss to the Timberwolves.
The 17th overall pick in the 2024 Draft flashed the kind of offense he can provide from the second unit for the Lakers this season, tying Austin Reaves for the team scoring lead. Knecht doesn't have a clear path to consistent minutes in a Lakers wing rotation that includes LeBron James, Reaves, Cam Reddish and Max Christie, but if he shows he can fill up the basket against NBA-caliber defenders, the 23-year-old rookie should be able to carve out a role.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Sitting out SL finale
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Knecht won't play in Saturday's Summer League game against the Bulls for rest purposes, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
The Lakers are opting to rest Knecht, Bronny James and Maxwell Lewis for Friday's Summer League finale. After starting slowly in the California Classic, Knecht has showcased the three-level scoring ability that he used to dominate at Tennessee last season.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Leads LAL to win with 20 points
Rotowire
Knecht guided to Lakers' Summer League squad to victory Thursday behind 20 points (7-of-16 FG, 4-of-4 FT), seven rebounds, two triples, one assist, one steal and two turnovers in 29 minutes.
Knecht took the night off Wednesday for rest, but he was right back at it Thursday evening, and he again led the Lakers' Summer League team in scoring. He may be able to earn a sixth-man role in Los Angeles this season, and if that's the case, he could potentially have some low-end value as a points and triples guy. We'll be monitoring him over training camp and the preseason.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Getting night off
Rotowire
Knecht (rest) won't play in Wednesday's Summer League game against Atlanta, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Knecht isn't dealing with an injury, but the Lakers are giving him some rest due to the volume of practices and games over the last two weeks. Participants in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, the Lakers played five games in nine days, each of which Knecht was active for. Knecht's next chance to play will come against the Cavs on Thursday.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Drops 20 points in Summer League
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Knecht generated 20 points (7-18 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-5 FT), nine rebounds and one assist across 31 minutes in Wednesday's 80-76 loss to the Heat in the California Classic.
Knecht will exit the California Classic having averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals across 26.3 minutes per game. However, the rookie first-rounder shot 12-for-43 (27.9 percent) from the field and 4-for-15 (26.8 percent) from beyond the arc. It's not abnormal for a rookie to struggle with efficiency during Summer League, and there shouldn't be much concern regarding Knecht's ability to score after averaging 21.7 points per game last season at Tennessee.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Selected No. 17 by Lakers
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Knecht was selected by the Lakers with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Knecht was widely considered a lottery pick but endured a small skid before being taken by the Lakers. The 23-year-old should provide immediate value on the offensive end for J.J. Redick's Lakers after showcasing three-level scoring ability last season at Tennessee. The real question with Knecht is what he can provide defensively, as he lacks lateral quickness and general athleticism. He should provide a spark off the bench for the Lakers this season.
