The Los Angeles Lakers‘ slide down the standings has prompted concern about the team’s chances to contend in the packed Western Conference. Following a 101-93 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers dropped to 11-8 amid continued questions over LeBron James‘ effectiveness at age 39 and the recent performances of co-star Anthony Davis.
The Lakers‘ position in the West is uncertain, as is Los Angeles‘ ability to defend the NBA Cup it won in 2023. Amid fierce competition, a familiar refrain is being heard: LeBron needs help, and a rookie that isn’t his son Bronny is stepping up as arguably Los Angeles’ second-best player.
Dalton Knecht is LeBron’s favorite rookie
Though Bronny James‘ selection in the 2024 NBA Draft prompted significant attention and most of the headlines, Dalton Knecht has inarguably been the better rookie and appears to have the brighter professional future than LeBron’s son. That perception has not escaped LeBron — even if Knecht, like a lot of first-year NBA players, is prone to errors.
“Dalton fits in anything you want to do,” LeBron said after the Lakers’ loss to the Thunder on Friday. “He’s going to continue to make his mistakes, which is OK as a rookie. Obviously, his first time experiencing these things for the first time in this league. And then, offensively, he’s going to do what he needs to do. Shoots the ball extremely well. He can attack. Sneaky athletic, but good to have him on the floor, no matter what position he’s playing. He’s a piece for us.”
Knecht, drafted 17th overall out of the University of Tennessee, has averaged 19.7 points in his seven starts this season, maintaining that average by scoring 20 points against the Thunder — one of the NBA’s best defenses. Knecht knocked down six three-pointers against Oklahoma City too, and he stands a chance at joining an elite club: hitting 50 percent of his field goals, 40 percent of his three-point attempts, and 90 percent of his free throws…as a rookie.
LeBron has long been a fan of Knecht’s, and the teams that passed on the 23-year-old North Dakota native are surely regretting doing so. Their loss is the Lakers’ gain — now and in the future, whenever LeBron steps away from the hardwood.
