Dalton Knecht continues to prove why the Lakers were smart to draft him. The rookie sensation tied an NBA rookie record Tuesday night, draining nine 3-pointers en route to a career-high 37 points as the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz. Over his last four games, Knecht has been on an absolute tear, averaging 24.3 points while shooting a blistering 67.7% from beyond the arc.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who predicted Knecht's shooting prowess before the season began, isn't surprised by the rookie's fearless performances. "His shot-making gets us going, it's a real weapon for our group, beyond just the score," Redick explained after Tuesday's win. "It's a weapon that energizes us."
The timing couldn't be better for the Lakers, who've struggled to find consistent perimeter shooting since LeBron James arrived in 2019. However, Redick isn't ready to overhaul the offense just to feature Knecht more prominently. Instead, the coach believes Knecht's mere presence on the court creates opportunities.
What's particularly impressed Redick is how quickly the Lakers' veterans have adapted to playing with their rookie marksman. The coach drew parallels to his own playing days and the Warriors' chemistry with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, noting how teammates instinctively know where their shooters are positioned.
"There was a play in New Orleans where Austin [Reaves] cut, and he got the ball and read the basket and, I mean, immediately, just like, turned and fired along the baseline without even looking at Dalton hit a three," Redick recalled, highlighting the growing trust between Knecht and his teammates.
When asked about Knecht's potential ceiling in the NBA, Redick remained measured but optimistic. The coach sees a path to greatness through "incremental growth," particularly on the defensive end, where improved footwork and physicality could transform Knecht into a versatile defender.
With James, Davis, and Reaves all publicly backing their rookie teammate, it's clear that Knecht has won over the Lakers' locker room. As Redick put it: "When he's doing all the other stuff... I don't want to take you off the court. He's such a weapon for us offensively."
The evolution of Knecht from promising draft pick to key rotation player has given the Lakers exactly what they've been missing: a legitimate perimeter threat who can do more than just shoot. If his recent performances are any indication, this could be just the beginning of something special in Los Angeles.
While Knecht's shooting has garnered headlines, Redick emphasizes that it's the rookie's complete game that's earning him increased playing time. "He's an excellent cutter. He's been great with his offensive rebound crashing," Redick noted. "It's more about him just earning more minutes and more trust, not just with the coaches, but with his teammates."
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