With the start of the NBA season unfolding on Tuesday night, Dalton Knecht and the Los Angeles Lakers will kick off their season by hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT. Knecht had an impressive preseason, averaging 18 points, 4.2 rebounds, two assists, and 1.4 steals a game. He shot 36% from beyond the three-point line, and 43.6% from the field.
Knecht led all rookies in preseason scoring with 90 total points. The next closest rookie was Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies who finished with 72 points. Let’s take an in-depth look at all five games and evaluate his performance throughout each of them.
Game 1: Lakers vs. Timberwolves, 10/4/2024
Knecht showcased an efficient scoring ability in his first preseason game, tying for the Lakers game-high in points, but it also came with struggles. Knecht turned the ball over five times in his preseason debut and made only two of his seven three-point attempts. Still, Knecht made more shots than he missed finishing 7/13 from the field. Knecht scored at all three levels, as he finished layups, hit contested mid-range jump shots, and converted on two three-pointers.
Final Stat Sheet:
Minutes: 25
Points: 16, 7-13 FG (53.8%), 2-7 3PT (28.6%), 0-0 FT
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 2
Blocks: 1
Steals: 1
Fouls: 3
Turnovers: 5
More From RTI: Dalton Knecht Impresses in First Preseason Game
Game 2: Lakers vs. Suns, 10/6/2024
Knecht’s performance in game two of the preseason was his worst performance of the five games. The No. 17 overall pick finished the game with the team’s lowest +/- with -19. Knecht struggled from behind the arc, making only one of his seven attempts. Knecht made one layup, one mid-range jump shot, and one three-pointer from 26 feet. Standing at 6-foot-6 with an impressive jumping ability, there is no reason for Knecht to have only one rebound in 21 minutes. For Knecht to be in the main rotation for the Lakers, the former Vol must produce in facets of the game outside of scoring, particularly when his shots aren’t falling.
Final Stat Sheet:
Minutes: 21
Points: 7, 3-9 FG (33.3%), 1-7 3PT (14.3%), 0-0 FT
Rebounds: 1
Assists: 3
Blocks: 1
Steals:1
Fouls: 2
Turnovers: 1
Game 3: Lakers @ Bucks, 10/10/2024
Knecht bounced back with a stout all-around performance. He wasn’t the most productive or efficient scorer, but he scored in different ways with 13 points and impacted the game with his rebounding and ability to create for others in addition to his scoring. Knecht finished two of his three attempts around the rim and drained a pull-up in front of the left elbow. His two three-pointers came on the right side, one from the corner, and one in the “slot” area, located above the right elbow at the three-point line.
Final Stat Sheet:
Minutes: 34
Points: 13, 5-16 FG (31.3%), 2-10 3PT (20%), 1-2 FT (50%)
Rebounds: 8
Assists: 4
Blocks: 0
Steals: 1
Fouls: 5
Turnovers: 2
Game 4: Lakers vs. Warriors, 10/15/2024
The former Tennessee superstar scored 19 points in 21 minutes of play, shooting nearly 40% from three on 13 three-point attempts. Knecht led the Lakers in minutes off of the bench, as the returning Lakers core played the majority of the game. It was great for Knecht’s confidence to see his shots from deep finally find the bottom of the net at a high clip, especially while alongside the main players of the Lakers.
Final Stat Sheet:
Minutes: 21
Points: 19, 6-15 FG (40%), 5-13 3PT (38.5%), 2-2 FT (100%)
Rebounds: 2
Assists: 0
Blocks: 0
Steals: 2
Fouls: 1
Turnovers: 1
Game 5: Lakers @ Suns, 10/17/2024
Knecht’s best game of the preseason was a 35-point performance which included 20 straight points. Knecht willed the Lakers to an overtime win in Phoenix. He was dialed in from deep, as the sharpshooting wing made eight threes on 13 attempts. He shot above 50% from the field, as well as from three. Knecht also pulled in seven rebounds. After JJ Redick’s assistant coaches advised against subbing Knecht in, he entered with 3:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. In the remainder of the fourth quarter and into overtime, he scored 22 points. Knecht’s performance was reminiscent of his performance against Auburn, where it did not matter who was defending him, he was going to get to his spots and get his shots up, and there was no doubt they were going in from the moment they left his hand.
Final Stat Sheet:
Minutes: 32
Points: 35, 10-18 FG (55.6%), 8-13 3PT (61.5%), 7-8 FT (87.5%)
Rebounds: 7
Assists: 1
Blocks: 2
Steals: 2
Fouls: 1
Turnovers: 2
The Lakers host the Timberwolves in one of two games of the night to kick off the NBA season. Knecht has earned minutes in the rotation throughout his performance through the NBA Summer League and preseason, but Knecht must capitalize in the regular season when it matters most.
