The Lakers win, 128-122 in OT over the Suns and AD (35 pts) makes sure to snag the game ball to give to rookie Dalton Knecht (35 pts) after a remarkable shooting performance for the Tennessee Volunteer pic.twitter.com/76Wwqmbr9X
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 18, 2024
Question’s not whether Knecht makes rotation. It’s when does he start!
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October 18, 2024 2 Comments
Considering the Lakers need to create spacing for Jams and Davis and modernize the offense by shooting more threes, Dalton Knecht’s performance last night could be the start of a legitimate campaign not just to include the rookie in the 9-man rotation but also to eventually start him.
With an offense built around Davis as the hub and an elite playmaker like LeBron James, the Lakers could survive with a Reaves/Knecht backcourt and a James/Davis/New Center front court.
I clearly see Knecht as a guard and not a wing. Playing him at wing negates any size advantage we get from playing AD at the four alongside a true starting center.
I’m also thinking Christian Koloko could possibly be at least the backup center we need if not good enough to play alongside AD.
One way or another, there is going to be heavy pressure to start Dalton Knecht. He needs to be on the court with LeBron and AD. Add his shooting and an athletic shot blocking bouncy center, and the Lakers could be legitimate contenders.
https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1847413471862018127