Lakers 2024-2025 Player Preview: Dalton Knecht
The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft in what many people have called the “steal” of the draft class.
Knecht was a great college player and was awarded the SEC Player of the Year by coaches and the Associated Press for his 2023-2024 season at the University of Tennessee. After his strong preseason performance capped off by a 35-point performance, there is a lot of buzz surrounding the young rookie.
Relive last night’s MASTERCLASS from Dalton Knecht 🥶
We got an absolute GEM at No. 17… last night proved he’ll make an immediate impact in JJ’s rotation 💯pic.twitter.com/vwQFRw9rbW
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 18, 2024
Prior to the start of the season, coach Redick stated that he did envision the team having a 9-man rotation. There have been injuries to key role players such as Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt, as neither will be ready for opening night. With them out for the foreseeable future, Knecht may have a path to key minutes from the jump.
2024-25 Expectations for Dalton Knecht
Knecht finished the preseason shooting 36% from three-point range and averaged 18 points per game. Many of his teammates have praised his work ethic as well as his ability to spread the floor and score.
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the back end of the rotation as Reddish, Christie, Knecht, and possibly Bronny may all be fighting for minutes. Christie and Knecht should be getting minutes regularly, but how many remains in question.
In the first game of the season, Knecht played 16 minutes, finishing with a 5/1/2 line.
Knecht will be looking to contribute to the Purple and Gold in transition points and movement without the basketball.
It may have been a small sample size this preseason, but Lakers fans have plenty to be excited about with the Lakers’ newest young rookie.
