The Rise of Dalton Knecht: A Hidden Gem for the Los Angeles Lakers
When Dalton Knecht was selected as the No. 17 pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, many front offices around the NBA might have overlooked what the Lakers' Vice President Rob Pelinka described as "the exact player" they've been seeking—a movement shooter with the added benefit of athleticism. This potent combination has already had an impact in Los Angeles, as Dalton Knecht is proving to be a valuable addition to the roster.
Knecht's journey to the NBA is a testament to resilience and adaptability. After two seasons in junior college, followed by two more at Northern Colorado, Knecht culminated his collegiate career with a standout season at the University of Tennessee, earning All-American honors. This diverse background has only enriched his gameplay, developing him into a dynamic player equipped with a keen shooting precision that the Lakers have quickly come to rely on.
Recently, Knecht grabbed headlines in a game against the Utah Jazz, where he not only scored a career-high 37 points but also matched a rookie record by landing nine 3-pointers in a single game. A night like this demonstrates the potential that led the Lakers to believe they secured "the steal of the draft." Knecht's quiet confidence is palpable, as he voiced, "Teams passed up on me, and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did."
Even when adversity struck during his first start against the Memphis Grizzlies, after Jake LaRavia inadvertently elbowed him in the face, Knecht bounced back quickly. In their following encounter, he led the Lakers with 19 points, shooting a flawless 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. Such performances underscore his remarkable 46.4% 3-point shooting average following his first start, providing a bright spot in an area where the Lakers' offense has struggled, currently ranked 22nd in 3-point shooting.
Despite Knecht's contributions, the Lakers' overall offense is already highly respected, sitting at fifth in the league. However, Knecht's specific prowess at long-range shooting adds a valuable element that could help them climb even higher. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the Lakers' setup is partly attributed to his time at Tennessee. Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark noted, "Some people have met him and they're like, 'Yeah, he doesn't talk much, right?' And then people that know him are like, 'Man, that dude's funny as hell.'"
As he embarks further into his professional career—having played just eight games in the NBA so far—Knecht carries the poise and tenacity of a seasoned player. His inspiring dedication defines his journey and speaks to those behind his rise, from college coaches to NBA executives who recognize the challenges inherent to the draft. As Gregg Polinsky, a scouting expert, puts it, "If you hit more than 50%, you've done a good job. The draft is damn hard to do."
For now, Dalton Knecht remains focused on his immediate impact with the Lakers, blending exceptional shooting capabilities with athletic agility, much to his team's delight. His burgeoning reputation as a team-oriented player with clutch capabilities suggests his journey in the NBA is just getting started, and Los Angeles couldn't be more pleased to have unearthed this "steal." The remainder of the season will be an exciting opportunity for Knecht to solidify his place as a pivotal player in a team already brimming with talent.