As the Los Angeles Lakers approach the end of preseason and prepare for the regular season, fans are taking notice of two important rookies.
Dalton Knecht, the team’s first-round pick, has quickly established himself as a player capable of earning regular playing time. He delivered his best performance of the preseason on Tuesday, scoring 19 points, with a significant portion coming in a strong fourth quarter.
In Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Knecht managed five points by halftime.
His standout performances have sparked enthusiasm among Lakers fans, who are calling for him to secure a spot in the rotation as the season begins.
In contrast, fellow rookie Bronny James has struggled to make an impact. Facing NBA competition for the first time, James has had difficulty finding his scoring touch, compounded by limited playing time compared to Knecht.
Given his short appearances, it appears that James may need additional time to develop before he becomes part of the Lakers’ rotation.
Knecht’s performance comes off the back of a strong season at Tennessee last year, and while he may not have received the same attention as some higher-profile lottery picks, he is quickly proving to be one of the draft’s notable successes.