Dalton Knecht: “I Didn’t Even Know What Was Going On, I Was Just Shooting”

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht emerged as a crucial figure in the Lakers’ third consecutive win on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. When the Lakers faced a nine-point deficit in the third quarter, with Anthony Davis sidelined by foul trouble and LeBron James taking a breather, it was Knecht who stepped up, scoring eight key points to keep the Lakers in the game. The 23-year-old finished with an impressive 19 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, helping spark a comeback that energized the home crowd and secured victory for Los Angeles.

“I Didn’t Even Know What Was Going On, I Was Just Shooting”

Reflecting on his standout performance, Knecht shared the experience: “It was big time. I didn’t even know what was going on, I was just shooting,” he said. “Just got my rhythm, and my teammates kept feeding me the ball and giving me wide-open looks.” This display of confidence proved critical, with Knecht not only rallying his teammates but also firing up the crowd to push the Lakers forward.

Knecht Breaks Out of His Slump at the Perfect Moment

Knecht’s performance on Wednesday was even sweeter, given that he had been struggling to find his rhythm in recent games. Despite clocking significant minutes, the University of Tennessee product hadn’t yet showcased his scoring prowess. Against the Grizzlies, however, Knecht found his groove, going 7-of-8 from the field in 31 minutes. “It felt good. I found my shot, my rhythm,” Knecht said. “It got us going on both defense and offense. We were playing transition basketball, running and playing Lakers basketball.”

Recognition from LeBron James and JJ Redick

Knecht’s impressive 19-point contribution was met with praise from LeBron James and JJ Redick, underscoring the rookie’s impact on both the court and his teammates. His scoring boost came at a critical time for the Lakers, who have struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances from key players.

A Gift from the NBA Draft

With the Lakers’ comeback, Knecht has made a compelling case as a steal from the NBA Draft, where 16 teams passed over him. His overlooked draft status has served as motivation, and he now brings energy and resilience to a Lakers squad that might have faltered in similar situations last season. On a roster managing dead-weight contracts and injuries, Knecht has emerged as the spark plug they needed.

Can Knecht Consistently Elevate the Lakers?

Knecht’s breakout against the Grizzlies raises a big question for the Lakers: can he continue to provide this level of play moving forward? If the rookie can sustain his shooting and intensity, Knecht may well increase the Lakers’ ceiling this season. As the Lakers strive for another playoff run, Dalton Knecht’s offensive firepower could prove indispensable.