In what has been a season full of challenges and adjustments for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dalton Knecht is emerging as a bright spot on the roster, especially as the team copes with star player Rui Hachimura's recent absence due to a sprained ankle. The Lakers, known for their strategic approach in the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era, have long been searching for a consistent long-range shooter, and Knecht appears to be a promising find.
Knecht’s Impressive Performance
Since being recruited with the No. 17 overall pick in June's NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht has embarked on an impressive start to his rookie season. Over his last three starts, he has scored a total of 88 points, shooting 28-of-46 from the floor. His prowess from beyond the arc has been particularly notable, as he made 16 of his 26 three-point attempts during this period. Knecht's landmark performance in a recent game against the Utah Jazz saw him tying the rookie record with nine 3-pointers in a single game and achieving the remarkable feat of scoring 22 consecutive points for the Lakers in the second half.
Knecht’s ability to deliver these long-range performances represents a significant shift for the Lakers, who have been historically reticent in their three-point shooting. After taking the third-fewest 3-pointers in the league last season, the Lakers have made gradual improvements, currently ranking 23rd in 3-point attempt rate.
The Quest for Offense
The Lakers’ recent success, notably their championship win, relied heavily on robust defensive strategies and a balanced team effort. However, their half-court offense has been criticized for being below average. With Knecht stepping up as a reliable offensive option from deep, there’s potential for a more dynamic offensive game.
The performance of the rookie has yielded positive results when given the proper opportunity. Knecht has played seven games with more than 20 minutes of play and has shot an impressive 53.1% on 3-pointers in those instances. Conversely, his shooting percentage drops to 31.6% when he plays fewer than 20 minutes, highlighting the importance of his role and time on the court.
Challenges Alongside Opportunities
While Knecht offers fresh hope offensively, both he and Rui Hachimura have been identified as potential liabilities on the defensive perimeter. This presents a challenge for head coach JJ Redick, who must balance Knecht's shooting capabilities with the team’s overall defensive performance. Fortunately, having Anthony Davis, recognized as one of the NBA's top defenders, offers some level of assurance on the defensive side of the game.
Redick's focus will be on strategically integrating Knecht, leveraging his strengths while working on minimizing defensive weaknesses. As the Lakers aim to transition their playing style, Knecht’s development will play a critical role in shaping the team’s future dynamics.
A Bright Future
Dalton Knecht's early career flashes of brilliance raise intriguing possibilities for the Lakers. His sharp shooting and potential to break open games could redefine how the team approaches their offensive playbook. Moreover, Knecht’s emergence comes at a crucial time when the Lakers are looking to evolve and compete more effectively from long range.
As the season progresses, how the Lakers utilize Knecht’s unique skills will be central to their success. With Hachimura expected to return and the team continuing to refine their strategies, the coming weeks will be telling in whether Knecht can maintain his hot hand and help lead the Lakers to further success.
While questions about defensive reliability linger, there's no denying that Knecht, with his offensive flair, brings a new dimension to a Lakers team hungry for consistent perimeter scoring—a dimension they hope will propel them back to championship contention.
