Oct 17, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (0) celebrate after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
A stark statistic reinforces the idea that the Lakers triumphed in the NBA Draft by selecting Dalton Knecht.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft took place, it was widely viewed as one of the weakest classes in recent history. However, the Los Angeles Lakers seized the opportunity presented by this general skepticism to discover a promising talent in Dalton Knecht.
Many believe that Dalton Knecht was a significant victim of rival general managers’ dismissal of the 2024 draft’s potential. On paper, Knecht embodies the ideal modern wing player, boasting the size, strength, and length desired in a perimeter athlete, along with speed, agility, and leaping ability that can compete with the best in the NBA.
Knecht showcased his skills at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, achieving a maximum vertical leap of 39 inches and ranking first in the shuttle run, second in the lane agility drill, and twelfth in the three-quarter sprint.
Beyond his physical attributes, Knecht has a strong foundation and history that suggest he can become an elite three-point shooter. Lakers head coach JJ Redick even stated that he ranks in the top one percent of players in terms of pure shooting.
Despite his impressive skill set and three-level scoring ability, Knecht’s draft position at No. 17 became clearer: teams hesitated to use a lottery pick on a 23-year-old rookie, even one as talented as him.
Knecht has quickly made an impact as a rookie. Among players who have logged at least 25 minutes, he ranks third in points per 36 minutes with 17.8, trailing only Zach Edey and Ryan Dunn. He’s also second among rookies in three-point shooting during that same timeframe.
Leading by example, Knecht broke the rookie scoring drought on October 30, becoming the first 2024-25 rookie to score at least 15 points in a game with an 18-point outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Prior to that, no rookie had hit the 15-point mark, underscoring how this year’s first-year players were seen as underperforming compared to previous drafts.
His performance against the Sacramento Kings, where he scored 10 points in just 20 minutes and contributed significantly to the team’s victory, further solidified his status as an impactful player.
While he will face challenges typical of any rookie, Knecht’s athleticism, shooting prowess, and creativity have already emerged in the early 2024-25 season. Importantly, he has scored in double figures in both games where he played over 20 minutes, demonstrating his fearless approach and consistent effort.
As with all rookies, patience is key as they adapt to the NBA’s pace and talent. Nevertheless, Knecht is proving that the Lakers made a wise choice when many overlooked the draft’s potential.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ standout from the preseason might emerge as the team’s hidden asset.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a strong start to the 2024-25 season, boasting a 3-1 record despite a challenging schedule that included four games in under a week against teams that each won at least 46 games last season. However, some are questioning how long this success can be maintained.
The team’s reliance on a few star players has raised concerns about the performance of the bench. While the starting lineup has shown elite potential, the second unit has been lackluster. The anticipated return of injured players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood could enhance the bench’s effectiveness, but until then, the search for solutions continues.
Currently, the Lakers’ bench ranks last in the league for points per game. While there are players who could help improve the situation, if JJ Redick is considering adding someone new, there’s a promising candidate to evaluate.
Rookie scoring guard Quincy Olivari, who gained attention during the preseason, could bring the offensive spark that the Lakers’ bench needs. Although he lacks NBA experience, his aggressive scoring ability and sharp shooting could provide an immediate boost.
Olivari has also shown he can contribute on the boards, aligning with the Lakers’ strategy of crashing the glass for second-chance opportunities. In the preseason, he demonstrated this by scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds in just nine minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks, but it was his standout performance against the Golden State Warriors that secured him a two-way contract—he scored 22 points, collected seven rebounds, and made five three-pointers.
Though it’s early, Olivari’s preseason play echoes his collegiate success. His shooting is reliable, and he can score both as a creator and in catch-and-shoot situations. While Gabe Vincent has been solid defensively, adding Olivari could help offset Vincent’s current offensive struggles.
It’s possible Olivari might face challenges initially, but giving him game time could be beneficial before he heads to the G League, helping him adjust to the NBA pace and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Integrating Olivari into the lineup would be a strategic move for the Lakers, potentially revitalizing their bench scoring and overall production during a time when current reserves are underperforming.
