Lakers’ Summer League Debut Recap
The Lakers debuted their first game featuring two-way contract players, rookies, and undrafted prospects, including Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick.
This match against the Sacramento Kings in the annual California Classic was highly anticipated by fans.
The Lakers started strong, taking a 4-0 lead with the first few field goals, but soon lost momentum, particularly on defense. Throughout the game, the offense appeared stagnant, with minimal movement.
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
These factors contributed to poor performances, such as Dalton Knecht’s struggle to score efficiently, only making his first basket with 2:19 left in the first quarter.
Such occurrences are typical for a team playing its first game together. The Kings’ summer league team, bolstered by experienced G-League players like Adonis Arms, capitalized on LA’s inexperience as a group. Arms finished the game with 30/11/4 on 70.6% shooting.
Takeaways from Lakers Summer League Debut
Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways and areas for improvement to analyze.
Maxwell Lewis demonstrated veteran leadership, scoring 6 of 13 while effectively utilizing his length and pace.
Despite his initial scoring difficulties, Knecht adjusted well by making plays for his teammates and showing mobility off the ball. His physical strength needs improvement, as he often got pushed around under the boards and missed some layups due to a lack of aggressiveness.
Bronny James, paired with Knecht in this year’s draft, found his rhythm later in the game, showcasing glimpses of potential as a scorer despite a tough shooting night.
His defensive skills were notable, reminiscent of a Derrick White or Marcus Smart type player.
One of the top takeaways from today’s game… BLAKE HINSON IS A SNIPER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BKm7UUGOlq
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 6, 2024
The Lakers’ two-way players also impressed, with Blake Hinson of Pitt University particularly standing out with a stellar three-point shooting performance (5 for 7). Improved defense could secure him a spot on an NBA roster, though utilizing more structured plays for him would enhance his effectiveness.
Looking forward, this was just the first of three games at the California Classic, offering more opportunities for the team to develop cohesion. The Lakers’ next game is against Golden State on Sunday, July 7th, at 3:30 PM PT.
