close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

Lakers Fans Want Dalton Knecht In Rotation, Debate Over Bronny’s Future In Matchup vs. Suns | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors
news

Lakers Fans Want Dalton Knecht In Rotation, Debate Over Bronny’s Future In Matchup vs. Suns | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Footprint Center on October 17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

As the end of the preseason and the start of the regular season approach for the Los Angeles Lakers, fans have gotten a good look at two key rookies.

Lakers first-round pick Dalton Knecht has quickly emerged as a player capable of getting regular minutes. He had his best game of the preseason on Tuesday when he scored 19 points, most of them in the fourth quarter when he got hot.

Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, Knecht had five points through the first half.

His impressive performance has Lakers fans calling for him to be in the rotation early this season.

krisshow 💜💛 @WakeUpKriish

Can easily pick Dalton Knecht, a real ball player. Lakers needed that guy along with Reaves for perimeter scoring.

While Knecht has been impressive, the Lakers’ other rookie, Bronny James, hasn’t shown much. James is playing against NBA talent for the first time and has not been able to find his opportunity, despite having had much less playing time than Knecht.

In his limited minutes, James has shown that he will likely need some time to develop before he finds himself in the Lakers’ rotation.

After the season Knecht had at Tennessee last year, it’s no surprise that he played well early. He didn’t have as much hype as some lottery picks, but he’s quickly showing that he might be the steal of the draft.

As for James, it’s clear he needs some time to improve, and that could mean spending most of his first season in the G League.