Lakers Rook Dalton Knecht Ignites on the Court, Heeds Coach Redick’s Shoot-to-Score Philosophy
EL SEGUNDO — Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has quickly made a name for himself in the early stages of his NBA career, thanks in part to the unwavering confidence instilled in him by head coach JJ Redick. Knecht’s commitment to scoring was emphasized by Redick almost immediately after he joined the team, a principle that came to fruition during his recent hot streak, highlighted by a remarkable 37-point game against the Utah Jazz.
During training camp, Redick urged Knecht to embrace scoring opportunities, a mantra he reiterated after a lackluster offensive possession against the Phoenix Suns. In that moment, the coach’s passionate plea — "Shoot the [expletive] ball" — went viral, underscoring the importance of instinctive shooting in the Lakers’ offensive strategy.
Knecht took the coach’s advice to heart, showcasing his potential by averaging 24.3 points on 67.3% shooting over the past four games, stepping up in the absence of Rui Hachimura. The 23-year-old rookie is now positioned as one of the most promising shooters in the league, maintaining an average of 11.3 points per game with impressive shooting efficiency.
His rise in performance comes after being drafted later than expected, despite being named the SEC Player of the Year. With a chip on his shoulder, Knecht has embraced the opportunity in Los Angeles, motivated by the teams that overlooked him in the draft.
“A lot of teams passed on me, and I’m here to show them what they missed,” said Knecht, who feels he landed in an ideal situation. His impact on the court is already evident, as his presence has greatly improved the Lakers’ offensive efficiency.
As he continues to gain confidence and trust from his teammates and coaches, Knecht seems poised to become an integral part of the Lakers’ future.
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