They aren’t going to raise a banner because they beat the Sacramento Kings to move to 18-13. However, the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers won without LeBron James is notable, both because of their opponent and their eventual reality. With James turning 40 years old tomorrow, retirement isn’t too far off.
That’s what makes it important that they were by former No. 1 pick Anthony Davis, who nearly had a 36-point triple-double. Austin Reaves was sensational yet again, recording his second straight game with at least 26 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Max Christie continues to show improvement as well, notching his third consecutive game with 16 or more points. Rui Hachimura stepped up with 21 points. As a team, L.A.’s defense was more or less respectable.
Is Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Ready To Move Past Rough Stretch?
Shining through it all was Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, who finished the game with 18 points and went 2-5 from beyond the arc. Knecht has been having a rough go of it as of late, shooting 14.3 percent from three in the 11 games preceding Los Angeles’ win over Sacramento. The Rookie of the Year candidate is still shooting 36.7 percent from deep this season.
Nonetheless, he needed a game like Saturday’s and the Lakers needed it from him.
Dalton Knecht finishes with 18 points (6-10 from the field), 2 rebounds and 1 assist against the Kings.
Let’s go Lakers! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/VX1uFiwTNZ
— LakeShow Italia (@LakeShowIta) December 29, 2024
It’s worth noting that Knecht wasn’t camping out beyond the arc, he was frequently scoring inside the paint. Whether it was a cut or drive, he was aggressive. Just as significant as his scoring was his defensive play. Knecht probably won’t consistently lock up players unless he joins law enforcement but he was making Kings players alter their shots.
Settling In
Moving forward, this is a game that the 23-year-old can build off of. He seemed to lose his rhythm when Christie replaced him in the starting lineup. That’s also been the case for 2019 No. 10 pick Cam Reddish.
However, Christie is lighter on his feet than Knecht and a more natural shooter than Reddish, which is presumably why JJ Redick decided to start him instead. If so, the Michigan State product is making the first-time head coach look smart, as the Lakers are now 7-2 with him in the first unit.
For context, Los Angeles is 6-6 with Knecht as a starter and 5-3 with Reddish as a starter. In truth, Reddish is a cut above Christie at the defensive end. Nonetheless, Christie’s three-point percentage (.360) this season underscores his purpose, as Reddish (.306) hasn’t consistently capitalizing on his opportunities. With the Lakers losing 14 games by 6 points or less this season, who starts at shooting guard could be the difference between a win and a loss.
With that being said, until or unless he becomes a reliable on-ball defender, Knecht needs to settle into his role with the second unit. He’s arguably the best three-point shooter on the team. Nonetheless, rotations can be an uncompromising puzzle dictated by need rather than desire.
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