5 Best individual performances from Lakers Summer League 2024

Dalton Knecht vs. Houston Rockets, July 12

The Los Angeles Lakers received an early opportunity to evaluate what Dalton Knecht brings to the table at Summer League. A first-round draft pick in June, Knecht carried a mountain of hype with him into Las Vegas, and he somehow overdelivered.

Knecht was great throughout, but it was his battle with the Houston Rockets that managed to bring the best out of him.

Knecht finished the clash with Houston with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, one block, and a steal. He shot 9-of-18 from the field, buried five of his 11 three-point field goal attempts, and knocked down two of his three free throws.

It was a wonderful display of the three-level scoring ability that makes Knecht one of the best value grabs of the 2024 NBA Draft at No. 17 overall.

The reigning SEC Player of the Year, Knecht will have every opportunity to secure the Sixth Man role with the Lakers. He's more than capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc, but it's his handle, toughness, length, and finishing ability that make him a truly compelling talent.

Overlooked because he's a 23-year-old incoming rookie, Knecht utilized Summer League to prove he's ready to silence his critics.