5 Lakers who benefit the most from the arrival of rookie Dalton Knecht
The Los Angeles Lakers have been widely praised for making the most of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. At No. 17 overall, Los Angeles looked past the concerns that other franchises seemed to have and selected projected top-10-pick Dalton Knecht.
After a stellar showing at Summer League, Knecht is now preparing for his rookie season with one of the most decorated franchises in professional sports.
Knecht finished his final collegiate season in tremendous form, scoring 37 points in an Elite Eight encounter with Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers. It was his eighth 30-point game of the season and a shining example of what makes him a captivating professional prospect.
A three-level scorer with an impressive jump shot and the combination of size, length, and athleticism to thrive in the modern era, Knecht should've been a top-10 pick.
Knecht is 6'5" and 212 pounds with a 6'9" wingspan and a 39.0" vertical. He shot 38.3 percent from beyond the arc over the course of his three collegiate seasons, including 39.7 percent on 234 attempts in 2023-24. He also secured top-two finishes in the lane agility drill and shuttle run at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine.
The question is: How exactly does the reigning SEC Player of the Year project to translate to the NBA? Moreover, which current Lakers players will benefit the most from his arrival?
Anthony Davis
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has made it known that Anthony Davis will be the focal point of the offense in 2024-25. It's a necessary shift in priorities, as Davis is a prime-year All-NBA player operating alongside a soon-to-be 40-year-old LeBron James.
If the Lakers hope to maximize Davis' potential as an offensive focal point, then finding a way to incorporate Dalton Knecht into that strategy will be essential.
Davis is coming of a season in which he ranked No. 4 in the NBA in points in the paint and points via post ups per game. He was also No. 1 in the Association in second chance points, which firmly establishes how interior-oriented his offense is.
Redick will likely utilize Davis all over the court, but with Knecht spacing the floor with his mere willingness to shoot, let alone his potential efficiency, scoring should be an easier task.
The Lakers shot efficiently a season ago, but Davis accomplished what he did on a team that was reluctant to let the three-ball fly. Los Angeles ranked No. 8 in the NBA in three-point field goals made, but finished No. 28 in attempts. In turn, spacing was hardy a strength.
With Knecht ready and willing to put up shots, whether make or miss, Davis will have more room to operate down low—and should produce an even better season in 2024-25.