LeBron James endorsement illustrates bigger point about Dalton Knecht

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has already begun to turn heads around the NBA. The reigning SEC Player of the Year flashed a dominant streak at Summer League and has already showcased his versatile scoring skill set during the preseason.

Of the vocal supporters in his corner, none have been as prominent as Lakers teammate and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James.

James has played with his share of elite shooters, including Ray Allen, Kyrie Irving, Rashard Lewis, and Kyle Korver. JJ Redick has unapologetically stated that he believes Knecht has the tools to be mentioned in that same breath.

James added his name to the ring as one of the many who has praised Knecht for both his upside and what he already brings to the table.

It's high praise from an authoritative source, as well as a clear illustration of a bigger point about how important it will be to find Knecht immediate playing time.

Lakers need to give Dalton Knecht significant minutes from Day 1

Knecht will struggle at times in 2024-25, as every rookie in NBA history has. Even James, an all-time great, had his ups and downs as a first-year player, shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 29.0 percent from beyond the arc—but that shouldn't prevent the Lakers from seeing this process through.

The lessons Knecht learns from his personal failures will be as valuable as anything that can be said to him by an external source.

Knecht played the 2023-24 season in truly unstoppable form, ranking in the top 10 in the country in scoring and three-point field goals made. He led the Tennessee Volunteers to the men's team's first Elite Eight appearance since 2010, and scored 37 points in his final game—his eighth 30-point game of the season, and just three points shy of the 40 he dropped on the 23-10 Kentucky Wildcats.

Knecht accomplished everything he did by utilizing a versatile and dynamic scoring skill set, showing the ability to convert from every angle of the court.

There's a genuine chance that Knecht will be able to translate that three-level scoring ability to the NBA. In order to do so, however, he's going to need to learn sooner than later what areas of his game aren't quite up to the professional standard yet.

It's only then that he'll be able to achieve the necessary level of introspection to hone in on what must change in order for him to realize his potential—and his upside is downright brilliant.

Knecht has showcased elite range, form, and precision as a three-point shooter. He's also a tall and athletic wing with a strong frame, the ability to shoot from midrange off the bounce, the knowledge of how to work off of screens to get himself open, and impressive finishing ability both above and below the rim.

James' endorsement of Knecht is a sign of the fact that he's ready to contribute quality minutes, but it's his untapped potential that makes it crucial for Los Angeles to bite the bullet and accept his rookie-season flaws.

The long-term reward for that short-term investment could help usher in a new era of sustainable Lakers excellence.