The Los Angeles Lakers have been enduring a bittersweet start to the 2024-25 NBA season. With the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis on their side, they still need to perform better than their current displays. However, they have struck gold with their singing of 17th overall pick Dalton Knecht during the 2024 NBA Draft.
Knecht, a rookie shooter, has recently shown himself to be a valuable member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Just a few days have passed since he exploded for 37 points against the Utah Jazz, one game after he scored 27 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. Now, in his most recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, Lakers head coach JJ Redick promoted him as a starter.
Lucky to say, he did not disappoint. Knecht overshadowed the likes of James and Davis in the matchup vs the Spurs. In Wednesdayโs 119-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Knecht scored 20 points. He also led all his teammates in scoring. This left fans stunned as they took to social media to praise the rookie. One fan wrote on X, โJJ Redick really benched this demon for 2 games.โ
JJ Redick really benched this demon for 2 games pic.twitter.com/2cbugW8Wtv
โ ๐๐๐ซ (@HoodiiBron) November 28, 2024
Not only that, earlier this week Redick had claimed that it โis easierโ to get Knecht in a better rhythm as a starter. Now, he was given the opportunity and Knecht seized the moment. With the rookie dropping promising performances consistently, it will surely be tough for Redick to bench him going forward into the season.
Fans go WILD after Dalton Knecht drops โamazingโ performanceย againstย Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back to winning ways after losing a few games which caused worry amongst the fans. Lakers HC JJ Redick opted to start rookie Dalton Knecht, moving Cam Reddish to the bench. Redickโs decision paid off as Knecht proved to be a standout performer against the San Antonio Spurs. His performance sent fans wild.
Many fans took to various social media apps to put forward their views and praise toward the Lakers rookie. One fan wrote on X, โNever bench Knecht again.โ Another fan wrote on X, โDALTON KNECHT SAVED MY LIFE.โ Check out some of the reactions below:
Never bench Knecht again. pic.twitter.com/jdaNSgIlDV
โ Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) November 28, 2024
DALTON KNECHT SAVED MY LIFE pic.twitter.com/6qxi7twizn
โ ๐๐ (@BronnyMVP) November 28, 2024
Rookie of the year,๐
โ ARรรB || ุนุฑูุจ (@AROOB978) November 28, 2024
Steal of the draft
โ ARรรB || ุนุฑูุจ (@AROOB978) November 28, 2024
Funny how Knecht goes back to playing well when heโs inserted back into the starting lineup
โ Tre (@TreShonRouse) November 28, 2024
Knechtโs team.
โ Tennessee Tweeter (@VolsSportsDude) November 28, 2024
Start this demon from here on out
โ 6โ7 JJ (@lebrontosaurus3) November 28, 2024
Regarding the matchup, the Lakers performed admirably in defense. They pushed Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama away from the paint, causing chaos and controlling the game with their strength. The Lakersโ offense flourished, with baskets nearly usually the consequence of deft passing, and they were able to regain the energy that had been lost during their three-game losing run.
