How Dalton Knecht will have an instant impact for the Lakers
As the 2024 NBA draft comes to a close, the Los Angeles Lakers came out victorious in a very underrated draft class, drafting promising college star Dalton Knecht with their first-round pick.
Coming into the draft, teams were not as high on the 6-6 standout Tennessee guard from Thornton, Colorado, as draft experts. When we add him to this Lakers roster, it’s very hard not to be excited about the possible potential this team may have.
Draft experts had Knecht going between the fifth to tenth pick in the draft, but he fell to 17.
With the upcoming season approaching, we highlight the advantages this rookie can exploit to keep the LakeShow a contender in one of the most competitive Western Conferences the league has ever seen.
Dalton Knecht in his Summer League debut:
12 PTS
2 REB
4 AST
2 STL
3-12 FG
1-4 3PTThoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yjwIXReiyb
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 6, 2024
Defensive Pace
We saw the Lakers play their best basketball before the halfway mark of last season when the Purple and Gold ultimately won the In-Season Tournament against arguably the fastest-paced team in the league, the Indiana Pacers.
With Indiana averaging the fourth-highest fastbreak points per game, it was easy for them to find success in Rick Carlisle’s fast-paced offensive scheme. In these fast-paced matchups, the Lakers utilized the length on the defensive end to slow the opposing offense down.
Whether sending full-court pressure or trapping off the pick-and-roll, it worked great to slow offenses down and make important stops when needed.
Adding a 6-6 guard who has the tools to guard on the perimeter, switch on bigs when needed, and be a threat on the other end of the court is exactly what this team with so much promise and expectation needs.
KNECHT’S FIRST 3-POINTER AS A LAKER 🎯 pic.twitter.com/dHrEVV1LuQ
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 6, 2024
Transition nightmare
We tend to forget how great the Lakers are in transition, as they ranked third in total fastbreak points per game.
Knecht being added to the roster will create serious matchup issues with teams that are bad at transition defense. Knecht’s greatest offensive strength relies heavily on quick transition plays, shooting off the dribble, or smart drives to the basket.
Knecht averaged 21.7 points a game, shot 45.8 percent from the field and close to 40 percent from the three in college. He will be put in great positions to score the ball on fastbreak opportunities.
With the 2024 NBA draft over, the Lakers appear to have made a game-changing selection by drafting Dalton Knecht.
He brings his unique skills, which align perfectly with the team system.
Knecht’s ability to contribute offensively, especially in fast-paced situations, while being a solid defender makes him a great addition to a team that has a lot in store for the upcoming season.
