Dalton Knecht is just one game into his official Summer League career and is already making Dirk Nowitzki-like plays on the court.
After struggling in his first two contests of the California Classic, Knecht has really dialed up his game. The former Vol shot just 6-of-25 in his first two games but dropped 20 points in his final game from the Classic and 25 points in his NBA Summer League opener on Friday night in Sin City.
Knecht was phenomenal as a scoring threat for the Lakers on Friday and recorded more than a quarter of his team’s total points. Knecht ended the game with 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the floor, 5-of-11 three-point shooting, and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Knecht also tallied six rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes as the Lakers’ best player during the loss.
Knecht was in his bag on Friday night and his game resembled some of his finer work while with the Vols. The 6-foot-6 guard was scoring at all three levels and wasn’t afraid to use his physicality on drives to the point.
Knecht’s biggest highlight moment of the night came with a minute to go in the first half as the former Vol looked to get past a Rockets guard at the top of the key. Knecht worked to get around the defender who played nice defense, but a tough one-legged fadeaway left everyone in shock as the Lakers came away with points on the play.
Dalton Knecht gets the one-legged fadeaway to fall!
Lakers’ rookie finished the 1H with 10 PTS / 4 REB / 4 AST 🔥
📺 #NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/LlSei3EXed
— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2024
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The Lakers moved to 0-4 with the loss in Las Vegas as Los Angeles really struggles as a team overall. While Knecht has been rapidly improving over his four games, not many other players have had a similar trajectory. Second-round pick Bronny James recorded just eight points with 0-of-8 three-point shooting during Friday’s loss with no other Lakers player but Knecht eclipsing 11 points in the game.
Knecht will have to carry the Lakers through the summer league but it will be great experience as he grows into a rotational piece on the Lakers’ roster next season. Knecht won’t see the same priority status during the regular season as he is now so it’s nothing but beneficial to get the ball in his hands and build some confidence before the season.
Here’s a look at Dalton Knecht’s full highlight reel from Friday night in Las Vegas:
Dalton Knecht tonight vs the Rockets…
25 PTS (9-18 FG, 5-11 3PT)
6 REBS
4 AST
1 STL
1 BLKHe’s better than I thought he was.. RT!!! pic.twitter.com/8MIHNoNBQs
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) July 13, 2024
