Dalton Knecht Still Figuring Out 3-Point

In the early stages of the 2024-2025 NBA season, Dalton Knecht has quickly become one of the more exciting rookies for the Los Angeles Lakers. The 23-year-old has impressed during his time as a starter, even though his journey to the starting lineup has been unconventional. Head coach JJ Redick initially intended to keep a consistent starting five but has made significant adjustments, including inserting Knecht into the lineup.

Dalton Knecht’s Journey to the Starting Lineup

Knecht’s time in the starting lineup came about due to injuries, but it quickly became clear that he had a better fit with the first group than coming off the bench. This led Redick to make the decision to promote Knecht to a full-time starter, and it’s proven to be the right move. Knecht has been a spark for the Lakers, especially when his 3-point shooting is on fire.

Knecht’s 3-Point Shooting and Uncertainty Around Celebration

One of the most exciting aspects of Knecht’s game is his ability to catch fire from beyond the arc. He’s shooting a remarkable 43.9% from 3-point range on the season, and an even better 52.1% over the past 10 games. When Knecht starts hitting shots, he becomes a dangerous offensive weapon, making him an extremely fun player to watch.

However, while his shooting is impressive, Knecht is still figuring out his signature celebration. Recently, during the Lakers’ Friday night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Knecht was spotted using the Michael Jordan shrug after hitting a 3-pointer, a celebration that he’s been trying out for a few games now.

“No, no, no. I told Vando, because he said before I hit that, we gotta come up with a celly,” Knecht said when asked if the shrug would become his go-to celebration. “I did a 3 symbol and then I just did a ‘I don’t know’ and I was looking at him the whole time. I was just like I don’t know what to do. I looked at him and he hit that too.”

Knecht’s indecision is understandable as he continues to find his rhythm on the court and his identity off it. While it may take time to craft a celebration that sticks, the important part is that Knecht’s offensive contributions are undeniable, and the Lakers are benefiting from his consistent shooting.

Knecht’s Rising Role in the Lakers’ Offense

As a rookie, Dalton Knecht has proven himself to be a key piece of the Lakers’ offense. With his knack for hitting crucial 3-pointers, Knecht is helping the Lakers maintain offensive flow, particularly during shooting droughts. Even though there will be off-shooting games, his ability to stretch the floor and provide spacing is invaluable for the team.

Defense’s Attention on Knecht: A New Challenge

Despite his success, Knecht is now attracting more attention from opposing defenses. After being selected at No. 17 in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht was seen as a potential steal, and now teams are taking notice. As defenses begin to scheme against him, the next step in his development will be finding ways to remain effective when the 3-pointer is taken away.

However, Knecht is confident in his ability to adapt. He is not a one-dimensional player and knows that he can contribute in other ways, whether it’s attacking the rim, creating plays for teammates, or playing solid defense. His self-assurance and versatility will be key as he continues to grow in the NBA.

What’s Next for Dalton Knecht?

Dalton Knecht’s journey as a Los Angeles Lakers starter is just beginning, and his progression will be a storyline to watch throughout the season. While his 3-point shooting is a standout aspect of his game, his ability to adjust and evolve, both offensively and defensively, will determine how impactful he can be moving forward.

As the Lakers continue their quest for another NBA Championship, Knecht’s contributions—both on and off the court—will be crucial to their success. The rookie’s confidence is evident, and with time, he’s sure to find both his signature celebration and his place among the Lakers’ stars.