Los Angeles rookie Dalton Knecht scored 16 points in his Lakers preseason debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. On Saturday, LeBron James was asked about Knecht’s performance at practice, and the King responded glowingly.
Lakers Impressive Rookie Earns Cheers from LeBron James & HC
LeBron James Praises Lakers Rooke After Preseason Debut
After the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee with the 17th overall pick, LeBron made it very clear that the Volunteers sharpshooter was his favorite college player to watch last season—this, of course, outside his son, Bronny James. James praised Knecht following the Lakers preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
“He’s a pro,” James said of the rookie, “He’s ready to go now.”
Simple and straight to the point. But praise from LeBron goes further than words. When arguably the greatest of all time speaks highly of you, you know the words carry weight. The Lakers impressive rookie connected from three twice in seven attempts and shot 7-13 from the field overall. His 16 points tied with Austin Reaves‘ 16, leading the team in the loss to the Timberwolves. Despite the loss, Knecht played a solid game despite committing five turnovers.
JJ Redick Chimes In On Dalton Knecht
The Lakers coach also reflected on his rookie’s first game, saying that Knecht is already in mid-season game shape. That is quite a compliment, considering the Lakers have held just three full practices leading up to last night’s tilt with Minnesota. The Lakers rookie looked comfortable on the floor in his first NBA minutes. His mid-range shot and rim driving were present and confident. JJ Redick spoke to Knecht’s compete level following the game.
“…his ability to just play consecutive possessions and compete was really good tonight…sometimes the game can speed up for him, and that can reflect in some turnovers, but he knows who he is as a player, I thought he did a really good job of being aggressive and taking the shots that we wanted him to take.”
Offensively, Knecht played as well as could be expected. However, his defensive play must garner the same competitiveness and aggressiveness that Redick alluded to, a point of emphasis made earlier this off-season.
“Ready to Go Now”
If Dalton Knecht truly is ready to go now, as LeBron claims, that speaks volumes to what the rookie has shown thus far. Yes, he already brings his shooting abilities, which we saw on full display in college. However, it’s the accompanying ancillaries that round out his game and will likely earn him a consistent rotation spot when he comes off the bench.
With Redick backing Knecht’s play as appearing in “mid-season game shape,” that bodes well for the first-year Laker as the preseason progresses. There shouldn’t be any surprise if the Lakers first-round draft pick sees solid minutes once the regular season tips off. Until then, Knecht will find his second opportunity to play Sunday when the Lakers meet the Phoenix Suns. LeBron may have his first go at playing with Knecht on the floor together in that game.
