Dalton Knecht’s performance in the California Classic has been a focal point for the Los Angeles Lakers, yet the talented shooter has faced early challenges in finding his rhythm.
In their recent matchup, the Lakers succumbed to the Golden State Warriors with a striking 92-68 loss on Sunday. Knecht managed to score 12 points during his 22 minutes on the court, shooting a mere 3-of-13 from the field. This followed a similar stat line from Saturday’s game, where he finished 3-of-12.
Knecht’s Summer League Struggles
The numbers paint a daunting picture for Knecht, who has hit just 2-of-15 on jumpers across the first two games. This translates to a meager 13.3% accuracy from the field. Despite these shooting woes, Knecht has found other ways to contribute. He has shown an ability to get to the free-throw line, with 14 attempts over the two games, and has converted 4-of-8 shots at the rim. This drive to score worked well for him during his collegiate career, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game in his final season at Tennessee.
His shooting prowess in college was well-documented, particularly his efficiency from beyond the arc. According to Synergy Sports, Knecht hit 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, a testament to his potential as a sharpshooter. It's a potential that has been eagerly awaited in the professional arena, especially after Knecht was a consensus top-10 pick leading up to the draft. However, he slid out of the lottery on draft night, landing in Los Angeles with a point to prove.
Patience Amidst Pressure
Despite the early struggles, there remains a steadfast confidence in Knecht’s abilities among the Lakers’ coaching staff. Lakers’ summer league coach Dane Johnson emphasized patience and the importance of letting the game come naturally to Knecht. "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it," Johnson said.
Knecht himself exudes a calm determination, drawing from the lessons instilled by his father. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot," Knecht remarked. This resilient mindset could prove invaluable as he navigates the pressures and challenges of summer league play.
Upcoming Challenge
With the Lakers set to face the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Knecht will have another opportunity to rediscover his shooting touch and make a significant impact. The summer league is a critical period for young players to demonstrate their capabilities and secure their place in the team's future plans. For Knecht, it's about translating his collegiate success into a consistent professional performance.
As the summer league progresses, both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Knecht can overcome his early shooting struggles and showcase the talent that made him a standout at Tennessee. The journey through the summer league is fraught with challenges, but for Dalton Knecht, it is also an opportunity to grow and prove that he belongs on the NBA stage.
Only time will tell how this chapter of his career unfolds, but one thing is certain: the resolve and dedication that Knecht brings to the court will be at the heart of whatever success he achieves with the Lakers.