5 Lakers who benefit the most from the arrival of rookie Dalton Knecht

D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. A genuine marksman with limitless range and a smooth southpaw release, the former All-Star set the all-time Los Angeles Lakers record for three-point field goals made in a single season in 2023-24.

With Dalton Knecht joining the team, the three-point shooting burden that Russell carries has been at least somewhat alleviated—perhaps allowing a more free-flowing style to bring the best out of him in the playoffs.

Russell finished the 2023-24 season averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 3.0 three-point field goals made. He did so while accumulating a slash line of .456/.415/.828, which hammers home the point of just how strong he was in the regular season.

Russell was one of just two players to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made on 40.0 percent shooting or better from beyond the arc—with the other being Tyrese Maxey.

Unfortunately, Russell's postseason woes continued as he struggled to find his form from beyond the arc. He shot 7-of-11 from distance in Game 2 and 4-of-8 in Game 4, but went 3-of-25 across the other three games—and the Lakers' lack of options became rather evident as the team shot 29.9 percent from distance for the series.

By adding Knecht, who has the tools to become a sharpshooter, some of that pressure can be alleviated from Russell. Perhaps that's the key to helping him finally get over the postseason hump.