JJ Redick and LeBron James Uplift Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Amid Shooting Struggles
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht may have struggled with his shooting during the team’s first preseason win against the Milwaukee Bucks, but he didn’t leave the court without some encouraging words from two NBA legends—LeBron James and head coach JJ Redick. Both leaders were quick to offer support, urging Knecht to continue playing with confidence despite a tough shooting night.
In a post-game press conference, Knecht reflected on the invaluable advice he received. “When I was on the sidelines, Bron was telling me to just keep shooting. He doesn’t care what I shoot. Same with JJ. They said they don’t care what I shoot, just to keep letting them fly,” Knecht explained. This message from two highly respected figures in the basketball world lifted Knecht’s spirits and reinforced his role on the team. The rookie acknowledged that his strength lies in maintaining his confidence, especially when it comes to his shooting ability.
While Knecht’s shooting accuracy from the three-point line left room for improvement, he still managed to be the second-highest scorer for the Lakers, trailing only behind Rui Hachimura. Knecht scored 13 points in 34 minutes, hitting 3 of 6 two-point attempts but struggling with his three-point shooting, converting just 2 of 10 from beyond the arc. Despite the shooting woes, his all-around performance showed promise, as he added eight rebounds and four assists to his stat line.
Lakers Eyeing Future Success
Knecht also touched on the significance of securing the preseason victory, hinting at the team’s bigger goals for the season. “We got that game ball for him. The first one is cool, but we’ll be there June 5th [when the NBA Finals begin] and give them some more,” Knecht said. The confidence in his tone suggests that this Lakers squad is focused not just on individual development but on making a deep playoff run.
Quincy Olivari’s Standout Performance
While Knecht worked through his shooting struggles, another young player took advantage of his opportunity. Guard Quincy Olivari, who is on an Exhibit 10 contract, unexpectedly became the game’s unsung hero. When head coach JJ Redick decided to rest stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Rui Hachimura in the third quarter, the Lakers found themselves trailing 74-82. Enter Olivari.
In just 9 minutes and 24 seconds, the 23-year-old guard turned the tide of the game, scoring 11 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out two assists. His contributions were pivotal in securing the Lakers’ first win of the preseason, proving that he might be more than just a G-League prospect. Whether Olivari’s performance will earn him a spot in Redick’s regular-season rotation remains to be seen, but his impact on this game certainly made a case for further consideration.
A Bright Future for the Lakers’ Rookies?
Knecht and Olivari both displayed the potential to make meaningful contributions to the Lakers this season, even in a crowded roster featuring superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While Knecht continues to fine-tune his shooting, the support from his veteran teammates is a testament to the Lakers’ commitment to nurturing young talent. On the other hand, Olivari’s breakout performance may have opened the door for him to secure a spot in the team’s future plans.
As the Lakers gear up for the regular season, the positive reinforcement from leaders like LeBron James and JJ Redick could be the key to unlocking the full potential of their promising rookies.
