Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht silencing NBA Draft skeptics early at Summer League

The Los Angeles Lakers have faced their share of criticism during the 2024 offseason. Quiet on the trade front and limited in free agency mobility, the Lakers have struggled to make meaningful improvements to the roster.

Thankfully, the one area in which Los Angeles was able to alter the structure of the team is yielding early results at Summer League.

The Lakers were gifted an opportunity to bolster the perimeter at the 2024 NBA Draft. Reigning SEC Player of the Year and projected top-10 pick Dalton Knecht somehow fell to No. 17 overall, and Los Angeles was quick to bring him aboard.

It was a widely celebrated move by the Lakers, which had previously been perceived as a team that didn't have a chance to land Knecht at all.

Summer League performances can only tell us so much, but Knecht has rewarded the faith that Los Angeles placed in him in Las Vegas and San Francisco alike. It's a promising start that helps change the tone of an otherwise disappointing offseason.

If Knecht is able to play at a level that even somewhat resembles his recent success during the 2024-25 regular season, then the Lakers will have a starting-caliber talent they can potentially build with.

Dalton Knecht is an explosive scoring threat

Team success has evaded the Lakers at Summer League, with an 0-3 record at the California Classic and early woes in Las Vegas. Knecht hasn't allowed this to deter him, however, as he's stepped up in his individual role as a go-to scorer for the purple and gold.

That began at the California Classic finale, when Knecht scored with poise at all three levels en route to a 20-point and nine-rebound performance against the Miami Heat.

Knecht took things to another level in his first showing at the Las Vegas Summer League, dropping 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, one block, a steal, and five three-point field goals made. He dropped 19 points and three steals the next time out.

Beyond the numbers, Knecht is proving that he shouldn't be limited to the role of a spot-up shooter—and should instead be viewed as a true scorer.

The fact that Knecht has a smooth jumper with range, impressive height on his release point, and excellent form is an undeniable plus. It should help him navigate his rookie season, as he has an invaluable skill to fall back on when all else fails.

What made him special in college is what he's showcased at Summer League, however, as the former Tennessee Volunteers star can score from every angle of the court.

In addition to possessing absurd three-point range, Knecht embraces physicality as he works his way to the rim with a solid handle and ambidextrous finishing ability. He's also a threat from midrange, with the patience to get to his spots and the quick release to punish teams for giving him space.

It's why his precipitous drop to No. 17 overall was so startling: While others have untapped potential, Knecht already has the tools in place to refine and develop.

Dalton Knecht is proving to be more than a scorer

One of the other encouraging aspects of his Summer League showings has been his commitment to defense. It's an area in which he undoubtedly needs to improve, but he's played with energy and has seemingly been receptive to constructive criticism.

Whether he's racking up steals, crashing the defensive glass, or forcing turnovers with his on-ball pressure, there have been flashes of defensive brilliance across each game.

Rebounding is an especially encouraging area of production, as Knecht seems to have value on both ends of the floor. The Lakers are strong in the defensive rebounding arena, ranking No. 2 in the NBA in 2023-24, but finished dead last in offensive rebounds.

Adding a wing who can race in from the perimeter and create second chances would be a welcome addition, even if his defense wavers early in his development.

Finding a way to play with defensive consistency across a full regular season is a challenge for every rookie. That will prove especially true for a player who played such a significant offensive role in college that his defensive flaws often flew under the radar.

If Knecht is able to sustain this increase in defensive intensity while working to improve upon his already strong offensive foundation, however, then the Lakers could have the steal of the draft.