Dalton Knecht Makes Los Angeles Lakers

On Wednesday night, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht delivered a stellar performance against the Memphis Grizzlies at home in California, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ narrow 128-123 victory. This win improved the Lakers’ season record to 7-4, solidifying their position as the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

Dalton Knecht’s Historic Night

Knecht showcased an efficient and composed game, finishing with 19 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal. His shooting was near-flawless, as he went 7-for-8 from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range in just 31 minutes on the court. This shooting feat didn’t just help secure the win but also placed Knecht in the Lakers’ record books.

“Dalton Knecht was 5/5 from three tonight. That’s the most three-point attempts without a miss by a rookie in Lakers franchise history.” As a result, Knecht now holds the distinction of being the only Lakers rookie to accomplish this impressive shooting stat in franchise history.

A Promising Start to Knecht’s NBA Career

Selected as the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Tennessee, Knecht has steadily carved out a role for himself on the Lakers roster. In his first 11 games, he’s averaging 7.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting a solid 44.6% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. This upward trend suggests Knecht could play an increasingly pivotal role in the Lakers’ offense as the season progresses.

Lakers Dominance at Home

The Lakers’ win over the Grizzlies also extended their unbeaten streak at home, where they now boast a perfect 6-0 record. This strength on their home floor has been crucial in securing their place among the top six teams in the Western Conference.

Next up, the Lakers are set to face Chris Paul and the San Antonio Spurs on Friday in Texas, aiming to carry forward their momentum on the road. Last season, the Lakers fell short in the first round of the playoffs, losing to the Denver Nuggets in five games. But with young talents like Knecht stepping up, the Lakers are hopeful for a deeper postseason run this year.

Grizzlies Struggle Without Ja Morant

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies fell to 7-5, placing them as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Their season has been marked by the absence of Ja Morant, and his return remains highly anticipated as Memphis navigates through a challenging schedule. The Grizzlies’ next game will be on Friday night against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center.

Will Knecht Be Key to Lakers’ Success?

Knecht’s historic performance and growing contributions on the court offer the Lakers a fresh source of offense and energy off the bench. As he continues to find his stride, Knecht could become an essential piece of the Lakers’ rotation, potentially helping to elevate the team’s performance and consistency. The next few games will be crucial in solidifying his role, but Knecht’s record-breaking night has shown that he’s ready to leave his mark on the franchise.