5 Best individual performances from Lakers Summer League 2024

Dalton Knecht vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, July 18

Perhaps the best showing by the Los Angeles Lakers as a full-strength team, July 18 marked a second victory in as many days. With Dalton Knecht leading the charge, Los Angeles defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 and officially overcame their misfortunes.

With 20 points and seven rebounds, Knecht put up strong numbers and closed out the win by taking over in the final minutes of the game.

Knecht played better individually in other games from a pure production perspective, but his showing against Cleveland was vital. He scored six of his 20 points in the final two minutes and 34 seconds of the game, including the clutch bucket to tie things up at 89-89.

Knecht then went 4-of-4 on clutch free throws, thus delivering the Lakers a win that helped salvage what had begun to look like a lost Summer League from a team perspective.

It was one of the most rewarding and reassuring moments of the Summer League experience. Knecht had played exceptionally well in losses, but this was when it all came together as the team turned to him to close things out and he delivered in every way.

Aggressive in attack and clutch in the pursuit of victory, Knecht showed the type of value he can bring to the Lakers as soon as his rookie season.