Early in the 2024-25 season, Los Angeles Lakers fans were captivated by the performance of rookie wing Dalton Knecht. Despite being selected in the mid-first round of the NBA Draft, Knecht displayed a level of play that positioned him among the standout rookies in his class.
While his production had somewhat normalized following the rescinded trade involving Mark Williams, Knecht delivered a significant contribution during the Lakers’ 124-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. Following the win, Knecht credited veteran Markieff Morris for his guidance in helping him remain prepared and focused throughout his rookie season with the Lakers.
“It’s real simple. I got good vets like ‘Kieff to be there,” Knecht explained. “He’s been with a lot of rookies, even kind of a similar situation he told me. Just always making sure you’re ready when your name is called and go out there and just be you.”
Dalton Knecht’s Wild Rookie Season For The Los Angeles Lakers
Knecht’s rookie season with the Lakers has experienced fluctuations, but his performance against the Pelicans was a timely resurgence. With the team facing a resilient, albeit short-handed, New Orleans squad, Knecht provided a crucial spark off the bench that significantly contributed to the Lakers’ win.
He finished the game with 12 points, his highest scoring output since March 20th against the Bucks, a game in which the Lakers rested many of their regular starters. Knecht shot 5-of-10 from the field and 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. Following this performance, Lakers head coach JJ Redick indicated that the team views Knecht as a potentially key contributor in the playoffs, according to Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation.
While Knecht’s initial strong play had placed him in early Rookie of the Year discussions, those talks have since subsided. Nevertheless, he remains an intriguing option coming off the Lakers’ bench. Following Rui Hachimura’s return from a knee injury, Knecht had seen his role in the rotation diminish, even sitting out the Lakers’ recent loss to the Golden State Warriors. However, with Hachimura sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back, Knecht’s number was called, and he responded effectively.
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After the game, Knecht further elaborated on his role and the confidence his teammates have in him. “It’s mainly just when my name is called, to go out there and be me, be ready to shoot,” Knecht stated. “My teammates got my back every single time I step on the court. They want me to be aggressive. . shout out to all my vets.”
Throughout his rookie campaign, Knecht has appeared in 73 games, including 15 starts, averaging just over 19 minutes per contest. He has recorded averages of 9.1 points and 2.8 assists, with shooting splits of 46.1 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range, and 75 percent from the free-throw line. His skill set appears to complement the playmaking abilities of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
“I think I fit good. I’m a shooter, and I don’t only do that. I can go down and create my own shot and attack the rim,” Knecht concluded. “Also I play in the pick and roll with them so I just try and help them as much as I can.”