LeBron James Praises Rookie Dalton Knecht’s Fit in Lakers’ System

The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced a rollercoaster season, but one consistent bright spot has been rookie Dalton Knecht. As a starter, Knecht has thrived, averaging an impressive 19.7 points on 47.6% shooting from three-point range across seven games. His rise from a bench player to a key piece in the lineup has caught the attention of teammates, including the legendary LeBron James.

LeBron’s High Praise for Knecht

After the Lakers’ recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James was vocal in his support of the rookie’s potential and versatility.

“Dalton fits in anything you want to do,” LeBron said. “He’s going to continue to make his mistakes, which is OK as a rookie. It’s his first time experiencing these things in the league. Offensively, he’s going to do what he needs to do. Shoots the ball extremely well, he can attack, and he’s sneaky athletic. It’s good to have him on the floor, no matter what position he’s playing. He’s a piece for us.”

Knecht’s ability to shoot, attack the basket, and facilitate has been crucial for the Lakers. Against the Thunder’s league-best defense, Knecht stood out, scoring 20 points with six three-pointers, six rebounds, and four assists.

Impact on Lakers’ Offense

Knecht’s presence changes the dynamics of the Lakers’ offense. As a reliable three-point shooter, his mere threat from beyond the arc opens up the paint for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate more freely.

His versatility extends beyond shooting, as Knecht is also capable of attacking the rim and making smart passes. While he’s still a rookie adjusting to the league’s pace and physicality, his performances have proven he’s an asset the Lakers can rely on.

Adjustments to the Starting Role

Knecht initially entered the starting lineup due to injuries to key players like Rui Hachimura. However, head coach JJ Redick recognized Knecht’s chemistry with the starters and decided to make him a permanent fixture in the lineup.

In his last two games, Knecht has led the Lakers with back-to-back 20-point performances. His consistency and ability to step up when needed have solidified his role as a key contributor for the team.

Finding His Signature Celebration

One area where Knecht is still finding his footing is with his three-point celebration. After making six threes against the Thunder, Knecht brought back the ‘Jordan Shrug’ but admitted it wasn’t a final decision.

“I told Vando [Jarred Vanderbilt], we gotta come up with a celly,” Knecht said. “I did a 3 symbol and then the shrug, but I don’t know what to do yet. I was just looking at him like, ‘What should I do?’”

As Knecht continues to establish himself as a sharpshooter, it’s only a matter of time before he lands on a celebration that resonates with fans and teammates alike.

Knecht’s Future with the Lakers

While mistakes are inevitable for any rookie, Dalton Knecht has already proven he’s a valuable asset for the Lakers. With his shooting, athleticism, and basketball IQ, he complements the team’s stars and provides much-needed floor spacing.

As LeBron James noted, Knecht’s versatility and confidence make him a perfect fit for whatever the Lakers want to do. As the season progresses, Knecht’s role is likely to grow even further, and Lakers fans can expect more memorable performances—and perhaps, a signature celebration—soon.