Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht delivered his best performance yet Wednesday night, putting on a show in purple and gold after a few quiet games. With a burst of energy off the bench, Knecht played a pivotal role in Los Angeles’ second-half dominance over the Memphis Grizzlies.
In 31 minutes, Knecht scored a career-high 19 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from the field, including a flawless 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. Alongside his scoring, he added three assists, two steals, and two rebounds, finishing with a +16 in plus-minus as he helped secure the Lakers’ victory. Knecht’s hot hand from three shifted momentum in Los Angeles’ favor, with his playmaking skills providing an extra spark for the team.
Before this game, Knecht had been averaging 6.1 points on 39% shooting in limited minutes across his first 10 NBA games. While still adjusting to the pace of the league, his scoring ability and athleticism have flashed potential. The Lakers, aiming to bolster their bench depth as LeBron James and Anthony Davis carry the starting load, could see Knecht become a vital rotation piece. His potential as a consistent scorer is promising, especially given his history as a 38% shooter from three-point range in college.
Knecht, picked 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has already shown he could be a steal for the Lakers, proving why he was one of the draft’s notable sliders. His impressive frame, shooting skills, and athleticism suggest that with consistency, he could evolve into a reliable NBA starter.
The Lakers will look to keep their momentum going on Friday, Nov. 15, when they face the San Antonio Spurs, fresh off a game in which Victor Wembanyama put up 50 points.
