As the start of the NBA season unfolds on Tuesday evening, Dalton Knecht and the Los Angeles Lakers do start their season by hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10pm ET on TNT. Knecht had an impressive preseason, averaging 18 points, 4.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 36% from beyond three-point line, and 43.6% from the field.

Knecht led all rookies in the preseason score with 90 total points. The next closest rookie was Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies WHO finished with 72 points. Let’s take an in-depth look at all five games and evaluate his performance in each game of them.

Game 1: Lakers vs. Timberwolves, 10/4/2024

Knecht showed efficient scoring in his first preseason game, tying for the Lakers in points, but it also came with struggles. Knecht turned the ball over five times in his preseason debut and made just two of his seven three-point attempts. Still, Knecht made more shots than he missed finishing 7/13 from the field. Knecht scored on all three levels as he finished layups, made contested jump shots up the middle and converted on two 3-pointers.

Latest statistics sheet:
Minutes: 25
Points: 16, 7-13 FG (53.8%), 2-7 3PT (28.6%), 0-0 FT
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 2
Blocks: 1
Steals: 1
Errors: 3
Turnover: 5

More from RTI: Dalton Knecht impresses in the first game of the preseason

Game 2: Lakers vs. Suns, 6-10-2024

Knecht’s performance in game two of the preseason was his worst performance of the five games. The No. 17 overall pick finished the game with the team’s lowest +/- at -19. Knecht struggled from behind the arc, making just one of his seven attempts. Knecht made one layup, An mid-range jump shot, and An three-pointer from 26 feet. Standing at 6 feet tall with impressive jumping abilityThere is no reason for Knecht to have just one rebound in 21 minutes. For Knecht to play in the main rotation for the Lakers, the former Vol will need to produce facets of the game outside of scoring, especially if his shots aren’t falling.

Latest statistics sheet:
Minutes: 21
Points: 7, 3-9 FG (33.3%), 1-7 3PT (14.3%), 0-0 FT
Rebounds: 1
Assists: 3
Blocks: 1
Steals: 1
Errors: 2
Turnover: 1

Game 3: Lakers @ Bucks, 10/10/2024

Knecht bounced back with a solid all-round performance. He wasn’t the most productive or efficient scorer, but he scored 13 points in a variety of ways and, in addition to his scoring, also impacted the game with his rebounding and ability to create for others. Knecht completed two of his three attempts around the rim and drained a left elbow pull-up. His two three-pointers came on the right side, one from the corner, and one in the “slot” area, located above the right elbow at the three-point line.

Latest statistics sheet:
Minutes: 34
Points: 13, 5-16 FG (31.3%), 2-10 3PT (20%), 1-2 FT (50%)
Rebounds: 8
Assistants: 4
Blocks: 0
Steals: 1
Errors: 5
Turnover: 2

Game 4: Lakers vs. Warriors, 10/15/2024

The former Tennessee superstar scored 19 points in 21 minutes of play, shooting nearly 40% from three on 13 three-point attempts. Knecht led the Lakers from the bench within minutes, as the returning Lakers core played most of the game. It was great for Knecht’s confidence to see his shots from deep finally find the bottom of the net at a high clip, especially while standing next to the Lakers’ key players.

Latest statistics sheet:
Minutes: 21
Points: 19, 6-15 FG (40%), 5-13 3PT (38.5%), 2-2 FT (100%)
Rebounds: 2
Assists: 0
Blocks: 0
Steals: 2
Errors: 1
Turnover: 1

Game 5: Lakers @ Suns, 10/17/2024

Knecht’s best game of the preseason was a 35-point performance, including 20 straight points. Knecht wished the Lakers to an overtime victory in Phoenix. He was dialed in from deep, as the sharpshooting wing made eight threes on 13 attempts. He shot above 50% from the field, as well as from three. Knecht also had seven rebounds. After JJ Redick’s assistant coaches advised against using Knecht, he came in with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter. He scored 22 points in the remainder of the fourth quarter and in overtime. Knecht’s performance was reminiscent of his performance against Auburn, where no matter who was defending him, he would get to his spot and get his shots, and there was no doubt they were going in from the moment they left his hand . .

Latest statistics sheet:
Minutes: 32
Points: 35, 10-18 FG (55.6%), 8-13 3PT (61.5%), 7-8 FT (87.5%)
Rebounds: 7
Assists: 1
Blocks: 2
Steals: 2
Errors: 1
Turnover: 2

The Lakers host the Timberwolves in one of two games of the evening to kick off the NBA season. Knecht has earned minutes in the rotation during his appearances in the NBA Summer League and the preseason, but Knecht needs to capitalize in the regular season when it matters most.