Is Dalton Knecht playing tonight against Boston Celtics? Latest on Lakers forward's status for Summer League game (July 15)
The LA Lakers’ number 17 pick from the 2024 NBA draft, Dalton Knecht, has emerged as one of the biggest steals of the draft. The Lakers have yet to win a single game in the NBA Summer League. However, Knecht has emerged as the star to watch out for, and he seems to be improving with every passing game.
Knecht gave an impressive 25-point performance against the Houston Rockets on Friday, and will now have his eyes set on the Boston Celtics. With no injury or other issues apparent, Dalton Knecht is expected to suit up against the NBA champions later today (15th July) as well.
Knecht was seen as one of the few stars in the class of 2024 who could make a direct impact in the NBA. Despite a slow start to life in the Summer League, he has come up with two huge performances against the Rockets, and the Miami Heat. This represents a huge improvement after his first two matches, during which he finished 2-15 from jumpers and seemed to be struggling for rhythm.
Dalton Knecht had not played professionally since his Tennessee days concluded back in March, but now appears to be in form, as the Lakers head towards their final three fixtures of the Summer League.
Dalton Knecht has proved critics wrong with her recent Summer League performances
Dalton Knecht’s shots may have struggled to fall in the first couple of games. However, he returned with 20 points with a 7-18 shooting split against the Miami Heat. Not the most impressive efficiency, and followed it up with a 25-point display against the Houston Rockets.
This time around, Knecht went 9-18 from the field and converted five of his 11 attempts from the 3-point zone. Not only was Knecht seen getting into spaces more often, but he also showcased exactly why the Lakers went for him in the first place.
“I always stay confident in my shot and I know my teammates got my back. So does the coaching staff. So no matter what, I’m just going to let it fly,” Knecht said in the postgame interview after the game against the Rockets.
Hence, not only is Knecht improving game after game, but he is also a willing shooter and has no qualms about letting it fly whenever he can. That now seems to be culminating in the kind of performances that are bound to excite fans, as they hope that Knecht can make an impact right from his rookie NBA season.