With the Los Angeles Lakers having locked up a playoff spot, they felt more than comfortable holding several mainstays —namely LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves —out of their regular season finale. As common as a practice as it is, this came as no shock, especially given their opponent was the Portland Trail Blazers. However, few could have predicted rookie Bronny James earning his first start of the season.
Bronny James will be making his first career NBA start vs. Portland. pic.twitter.com/K6NtLcYs6v
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 13, 2025
Lakers’ Bronny James’s First Career Start Spoiled
In what was a microcosm of his path to this point, James had an up and down performance. He went just 2-10 from the field, including 0-2 from 3, finishing with four points. However, he was a two-way playmaker, tallying six assists and four steals.
Bronny James full highlight vs Trail Blazers pic.twitter.com/lXD2MBczzB
— NBA Showtime (@NBAShowtime12) April 13, 2025
The start was a tremendous milestone for James considering the trials and tribulations that he’s faced. It was also a stark reminder of how far he has and can go.
James has been the subject of much debate this season, a fair amount of it being criticism about his father’s perceived influence in him being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. As he continues his roller coaster basketball journey, he’s gone from a prospect who was considered to be in over his head to a quality NBA player. In a general sense, there’s been merit to these assessments.
Right now, his best skill is his feel for the game but he’s grown more comfortable as a ball-handler over the course of the season. Blending his basketball IQ, ball-handling, and passing ability allows him to make an indelible impact even if he isn’t scoring. Factor in his agility and tenacity at the defensive end and there’s plenty to like about his game.
His 3-point stroke, ability to create separation, and ability to finish through contact all need work though. Theoretically, as his body matures, his game will naturally evolve. In the meantime though, honing in on his jumper could make him a true scoring threat regardless.
Knecht 4
The Lakers’ Walk of Fame didn’t just feature James on Sunday, as fellow rookie Dalton Knecht started in his 16th game of the season.
Dalton Knecht in a 109-81 loss @ the Trail Blazers : 27 points (9-21 shooting, 5-12 from 3 & 4-4 from the FT line), 8 rebounds & 2 blocks in 37 minutes pic.twitter.com/D3bxpT6dmc
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) April 13, 2025
In 37 minutes, the 2024 No. 17 pick recorded 27 points (5-12 from 3), eight rebounds, and two blocks. It’s the seventh time this season that Knecht’s scored 20 more points. His 3-point shooting hearkens back to the preseason, when Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he was in the 99th percentile of shooters. Given how prolific a 3-point shooter that Redick was, the comment was particularly poignant.
JJ Redick says Dalton Knecht “is in the 1% of shooters” and has a good chance to earn a rotation spot
He also stated that JHS and Max Christie made huge leaps this summer 🔥
(Via The Lowe Post)
— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) September 25, 2024
The Lakers may have wanted a center to pair with Doncic, but they should be happy they kept Knecht. Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams may be better than anyone in their stable of big men. However, L.A. has few reputable off-ball shooters despite having three starters who have a penchant for playmaking.
As a result, Knecht might be one of their most important players in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
