Anthony Davis Praises Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht for His Shooting Impact and Maturity

Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers' rookie guard, may have been overlooked by many in the 2024 NBA Draft due to his age—23 years old after a lengthy college career—but his maturity has quickly proven to be a major asset for the team. Despite the early doubts, Knecht is making an immediate impact on the Lakers, particularly with his scoring ability and veteran presence.

Knecht's Impact on the Lakers

After a slow start to the season, Knecht has begun to show why the Lakers were right to invest in him. In a recent game against a tough opponent, he delivered his best performance of the year so far, scoring a career-high 27 points. This impressive outing included five three-pointers, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, helping the Lakers secure a vital win. His ability to step up in a back-to-back game was crucial, showing that Knecht is more than capable of handling the pressures of the NBA.

Anthony Davis Endorses Knecht’s Shooting Prowess

Lakers star Anthony Davis, a key figure in the team’s success, has been particularly vocal about Knecht’s abilities, especially his shooting. After the game, Davis expressed his confidence in Knecht’s potential, saying, "Anytime he shoots the ball, I think it’s going in. That’s why we get frustrated when he doesn’t shoot." Davis highlighted Knecht’s shooting as one of the team’s biggest assets, adding that the rookie’s ability to score opens up the game for others on the floor.

"He's a phenomenal player. He can defend, shoot, handle the ball, and distribute effectively. When he gets hot, it’s a tremendous lift for our team, and we often go on scoring runs off that energy," Davis explained.

Knecht’s Maturity and Readiness for the NBA

What sets Knecht apart from other rookies is his maturity, which comes from spending five years at college. Unlike many younger players entering the NBA, Knecht is well-equipped to contribute immediately. Davis drew a comparison to NBA star Damian Lillard, who also spent significant time in college before making an immediate impact in the professional league.

Davis elaborated, “He’s not a kid; he’s encountered numerous defenses through his college career, and he’s already pro-ready, much like Dame Lillard was. Spending so long in college matures you.” This experience is giving Knecht the edge, allowing him to handle the pressure of NBA defenses without hesitation.

Teammates’ Trust and Confidence in Knecht

As a rookie, it’s rare to see a player so trusted by his teammates, but Knecht’s growing role on the Lakers proves he has earned their confidence. "He doesn’t need confidence from us, but the support from his teammates to shoot shows we have absolute faith in him to make those shots," said Davis.

Knecht’s teammates actively look for him when he gets hot, knowing his scoring can shift the momentum of the game. His sharp shooting and the energy he brings when scoring provide a significant boost to the entire team.

LeBron James’ Confidence in Knecht

LeBron James, the Lakers’ leader, has also shown his faith in Knecht. Despite the rookie’s relatively recent introduction to the team, LeBron is fully aware of Knecht’s readiness for the NBA stage. Having seen his development throughout the season, LeBron recognizes Knecht’s ability to perform at a high level.

“I’ve seen him in practice, I’ve seen his work ethic, and he’s more than ready,” James said. "He can handle the pressure. He’s proven it, and now he’s starting to show it in games."

Knecht’s Potential and Growing Role with the Lakers

As Knecht continues to gain confidence and experience, his role with the Lakers is only expected to grow. His ability to contribute in various aspects of the game—scoring, defense, playmaking—makes him a versatile and valuable asset to the Lakers’ roster. With his maturity and ability to handle the spotlight, Knecht is quickly becoming an essential piece in the Lakers’ lineup.

Looking Ahead: Knecht’s Future with the Lakers

Knecht’s growth this season has been a welcome surprise for the Lakers, who have been searching for a reliable source of scoring support behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As he becomes more comfortable within the team’s system, his confidence will only increase, making him a potential star for years to come.

The Lakers’ coaching staff is excited about Knecht’s future and the opportunity to develop him further. "He’s exactly the kind of player we need—someone who is ready now but still has so much room to grow," said Lakers coach Darvin Ham. "We believe in him, and we’re going to help him continue to improve."

Conclusion

Dalton Knecht’s early success with the Lakers is a testament to his maturity and readiness for the NBA. With backing from stars like Anthony Davis and LeBron James, Knecht’s impact is becoming undeniable. As the season progresses, expect him to continue playing a crucial role in the Lakers’ quest for success.