Lakers Rookie Wins Rotation Role After Dominant Preseason Performance

The 2024-25 NBA regular season is right around the corner. The Lakers open up the year on Oct. 22 at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This offseason, they changed head coaches and made JJ Redick the new lead man.

In June, they also drafted Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Over the last two weeks, the Lakers have been suiting up in preseason ball. It gave younger guys time to impress the coaching staff, and Knecht is someone who took full advantage. After Thursday's preseason outing against the Phoenix Suns, Knecht essentially locked down a spot in the rotation.

Lakers News: Dalton Knecht Goes Off on Thursday vs. Phoenix Suns

In the win over the Phoenix, Knecht finished with 35 points, including 20 straight in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Tennessee product has the offensive skillset to score from all three levels with ease. He's able to put the ball on the deck to attack the rim while spacing the floor due to his jumper. The 23-year-old shot 8-of-13 from downtown, grabbed seven rebounds, had two steals, and two blocks.

His ability to provide Los Angeles with an effective shooter who can also score without being ball-dominant is crucial. The offense will run through LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That's a given but having another scorer in the frontcourt is massive for the Lakers.

Jarred Vanderbilt is still rehabbing his way back from foot injuries. Rui Hachimura is the only other player in the frontcourt who will get consistent minutes ahead of Knecht. The pathway to carving out a rotation spot is there and the 2024 first-round pick may have locked down his place.

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