The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have much to go for when it comes to youth. They’re a team full of veteran stars actively aiming for the title, so it’s hard to find any exciting young players who the Purple and Gold fans can support if they want to look at how the team would fare when LeBron James eventually hangs them up.
The only two players in the current Lakers roster who might fit the description of young talent are Bronny James and Dalton Knecht.
Lakers fans and the rest of the NBA are divided over Bronny’s position on the team. Some will insist that he only made the team due to his father’s influence, and some of his recent actions only prove their point.
Meanwhile, Knecht is notable for an entirely different reason. The Tennessee product joins the Lakers as a proven asset and is widely considered a more exciting prospect than James Jr.
As if to validate the expectations around him, the 23-year-old forward put on a solid display against the Phoenix Suns.
Dalton Knecht explodes for 35 points for the Los Angeles Lakers during team’s preseason duel vs. Phoenix Suns
The second preseason contest between the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns proved to be a fun contest for the neutral fan as the game headed to overtime.
While the Purple and Gold eventually won the game, the most interesting facet of the match was how Knecht was one of the most outstanding players on the court.
He finished the game with 35 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks. He was playing so well that Redick didn’t mind giving him more minutes and dominate Phoenix.
Lakers fans want Dalton Knecht to have a bigger role in the rotation after solid game
Knecht has been impressing fans since the Summer League, which endeared him to many Lakers fans. His performance against Phoenix all but solidified the love they have for him.
One fan raved about his ability that will establish himself as a great defender in the league:
Dalton Knecht has the athleticism to be a decent defender and it starting to show in the preseason. Very diff. to his summer league stint.
— Prime (@mioharusan) October 18, 2024
Another fan believes that his ceiling is much higher than first expected:
Knecht has a way higher ceiling than we realize could see him being an all star a couple years of his career lowkey
— lazy (@moisesxlove) October 18, 2024
One even made a bold prediction for the forward:
Knecht gon get a poster or two this year
— firmly grasp it (@fwflacko) October 18, 2024
It’s clear that Tinseltown is in love with what Knecht has to offer. It will be interesting to see how JJ Redick will use him in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation for the coming season.
For More Content
For questions and opportunities, message me at [email protected]. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
