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Lakers Rookie Already Snubbed From Well-Deserved Recognition

A Lakers rookie wasn't given his flowers after his impressive Summer League.

By Richard Louis

Jul 2, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, first round draft pick Dalton Knecht (4), second round draft pick Bronny James (9) and coach JJ Redick pose Kat a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, first round draft pick Dalton Knecht (4), second round draft pick Bronny James (9) and coach JJ Redick pose Kat a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with a clear need to improve the roster. They only re-signed LeBron James but the rest of the team didn't see much change.

The only additions the Lakers made were through the NBA Draft. Back in June, Los Angeles took Dalton Knecht in the first round before nabbing Bronny James in the second round.

Bronny started off slow but finished Summer League on a high note. Meanwhile, Knecht was very effective and showcased why many people believed the Lakers got a steal.

Despite his solid play, Knecht was let off the Summer League first and second teams.

Lakers News: Dalton Knecht Left off All Summer League Teams

The first team has GG Jackson II, Jordan Miller, Scotty Pippen Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Kel'el Ware. Meanwhile, the second team had Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jarace Walker, and Jalen Wilson.

Knecht is a very smooth scorer from all three levels on the floor. The former Tennessee standout owns a reliable perimeter shot with the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim.

Across three Summer League games, the 23-year-old averaged 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He also shot 39.1% from beyond the arc on 7.7 attempts per game.

Knecht was a consistent playmaker for the purple and gold. Even though he wasn't given his props in the Summer League, his play gives the fanbase some hope heading into the season.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic said that Knecht has already earned a spot in the rotation. Although he didn't earn Summer League accolades, the arrow is pointing up.

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