The Los Angeles Lakers will be well-represented at this year’s All-Star weekend. Aside from LeBron James being named an All-Star starter for the 21st consecutive year, one of the team’s rookies will appear in the 2025 Rising Stars Game.
Lakers Rookie Named to Rising Stars Player Pool
Dalton Knecht Earns Rising Stars Nod
Forward Dalton Knecht will represent the LakeShow in the 2025 Rising Stars game, joining nine other first-year players in the rookie-sophomore matchup. He is the 13th Laker to participate in the contest, and the first to do so since Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma in 2018.
When asked about participating in the Rising Stars game two weeks ago, Knecht replied: ““Nah I haven’t really thought about it but I’m pretty sure now I will.”
The 23-year-old was an arguable steal of the 2024 NBA Draft, going 17th overall to the Lakers after many considered him a lottery selection. He has had a roller-coaster rookie campaign for LA so far. Knecht emerged as a rotation player for JJ Redick and even started for a brief stretch in late November through early December. However, he has also shown signs of hitting the rookie wall, with his minutes and production fluctuating over the last month. In 44 games (12 starts), Knecht has averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting 45% from the field, 35% from three and 80% from the free-throw line. His 9.1 PPG average is eighth among rookies, barely trailing the likes of Zach Edey (9.6, 7th), Zaccharie Risacher (10.6, 6th) and Alex Sarr (11.5, 5th)
Knecht earned a well-deserved Rising Stars nod as a rookie who positively contributes to a star-studded contender. His recent stretch may keep him out of “Rookie of the Year” conversations, but his effort is recognizable and laudable no matter the situation.
Knecht’s Role Amid New-Look Lakers
With the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith and return of Jarred Vanderbilt, many have questioned where Knecht fits into this new iteration of the purple and gold. The team has begun leaning into a defense-first identity, but that doesn’t erase the offensive contributions one bit. Knecht appears to have adjusted nicely over the last few games, drilling over half of his three-point attempts prior to last night’s contest against the Hornets. He missed his lone attempt from downtown Monday night, but is still at 9/17 from three (52.9%) over his last five games.
Don’t look now-
But Dalton Knecht is 9/16 from 3 (56%) in his last 4 Games.
Perfect timing to get his Offense going, as the Defensive Cavalry comes marching in.
DK, Have It Your Way. pic.twitter.com/UzocVfcG45
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) January 26, 2025
Knecht’s role as a perimeter marksman will likely not change for the rest of the season. However, the recent shift allows for Knecht to tap into an area of improvement: stopping the ball. The rookie came into the draft known as an athletic sharpshooter, with scouting reports criticizing his defense as a key drawback. While Redick praised Knecht’s defensive improvements earlier this season, the rookie’s ability to string together stops will be vital going forward. His current role offers some balance for a defensive-minded bench unit, but if Knecht can contribute to those efforts while keeping a hot hand on offense, he can make himself stand out amid a flurry of Lakers forwards.
