LeBron James Praises Dalton Knecht After Career-High Performance Against Grizzlies

In a thrilling win for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Memphis Grizzlies, rookie Dalton Knecht delivered a career-high 19 points, leading his team to a 128-123 victory. Knecht, who was drafted as the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, showed exactly why he was such a highly-regarded prospect. He finished the game shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from the field and 5-of-5 from beyond the arc, showcasing his incredible shooting accuracy. His performance was instrumental in the Lakers’ comeback, as they overcame a 96-91 deficit in the fourth quarter without star Anthony Davis on the floor due to foul trouble.

LeBron James, a player known for his leadership and ability to elevate his teammates, was full of praise for the rookie after the game. He stated, “We leaned on Dalton Knecht; that’s what we did. AD got in foul trouble, and our first-round pick hit a hot streak. He looked like he was back at Tennessee, so we leaned on him. I just tried to sprinkle in a couple of plays here and there.”

This glowing endorsement from the Lakers’ superstar highlights how much Knecht’s presence has meant to the team, especially in pivotal moments like this. Head coach JJ Redick also echoed these sentiments, praising Knecht as the “catalyst” for the team’s comeback win. Knecht’s performance was reminiscent of his college days at Tennessee, where he was known for his explosive scoring and ability to take over games.

Knecht’s rapid integration into the Lakers’ rotation has been impressive. Although he’s still adjusting to the pace of the NBA, he is gradually becoming a key contributor. His minutes have been increasing, and in the win over Memphis, he logged a career-high 31 minutes, outplaying veteran bench players like D’Angelo Russell. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, having a young player like Knecht step up in crucial moments is a welcome addition.

Although Knecht was one of the best scorers in college basketball last season, his age led several teams to pass on him during the draft. However, as Lakers fans are beginning to see, the team’s gain is truly turning out to be a blessing. Knecht’s impressive performance against Memphis is just the beginning, and it looks like the Lakers have found another weapon to complement their star-studded lineup.