Dalton Knecht solidifying crucial role in Lakers' early-season triumph

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When JJ Redick was introduced as the Lakers’ 29th head coach in June, he made one thing clear: the standard in Los Angeles is championship-level basketball.

“Sitting in this seat, I know what the expectations are … It’s my job, it’s our staff’s job … it’s [on] all of us to deliver a championship-caliber team. That’s what I signed up for,” Redick said at his introductory press conference.

Two days later, Redick got his first taste of the NBA Draft as a head coach, contributing to the selection of Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Fast forward to November, and the Lakers’ faith in their rookie is paying off.

Los Angeles is off to an impressive 10-4 start — its best 14-game record since the 2020-21 season — and has won six straight games, marking its longest streak in nearly four years. At the heart of this surge is the steady offensive approach by Knecht, whose sharpshooting has added a new dimension to the team.

The first-round pick has quickly emerged as a key piece of the Lakers’ early-season success. The rookie guard is shooting 46.4% from beyond the arc, leading both the Lakers and all rookies (minimum four 3PA per game). His shooting prowess was on full display during Tuesday’s

124-118

win over the Jazz, pouring in 37 points and tying the NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers in a game with nine — all accomplished on just three dribbles.

Knecht’s teammates have taken notice of his ability to stretch the floor. 

“He can do more than just shoot,” Anthony Davis said after the game. “But he’s really good at shooting … We get mad at him when he doesn’t shoot.”

Knecht is on pace to become the first Lakers rookie to shoot over 45% from 3 in a season (minimum four attempts per game). The team is 5-1 when he scores in double figures. His breakout performances have vaulted him to No. 3 on Steve Aschburner’s latest

Kia Rookie Ladder rankings

.

Star teammates remain bright

While Knecht has been impressive, the Lakers’ stars have been pivotal in maintaining the team’s momentum. Anthony Davis is enjoying a career season, averaging 30.7 points per game (second in the NBA), 11.4 rebounds, and shooting a personal-best 56.7% from the floor. Davis is on a historic pace to join NBA greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl Malone as one of the few players to average 30+ points and 10+ rebounds on 55% shooting or better in a season.

Meanwhile, LeBron James continues to adapt his game in his 22nd season. While taking a career-low 16.6 shots per game, James is still thriving as a playmaker, averaging 9.4 assists — the second-most of his career. Despite a reduced usage rate of 26.4% (the lowest of his career), James remains the Lakers’ second-leading scorer at 23.5 points per game, powered by a career-high 41.6% shooting from deep.

Next challenge: Orlando Magic

The Lakers have been dominant at Crypto.com Arena this season, boasting a perfect 7-0 record. Their next test comes Thursday against the Orlando Magic, another surging team that saw its six-game win streak snapped last night.

Will Los Angeles extend its home winning streak, or will Orlando rebound to play spoiler? Catch all the action tonight  (

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