Midway through the preseason, the Lakers’ younger players provided some of the team’s greatest moments yet.

Jalen Hood-Schifino shined during training camp and Quincy Olivari helped the backseat boys rally against the Milwaukee Bucks to give JJ Redick his first win as a coach, albeit in the preseason.

In the win against the Bucks, Dalton Knecht had another strong performance, finishing the night with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists in his 34 minutes of action.

After the match, Rui Hachimura praised Knecht’s play and shared some insights on the advice he has for the younger guys on the team.

“I like the way he approaches the game,” Hachimura said. “He’s very aggressive. He’s a great shooter. He knows his game. He’s still trying to learn. It’s different. That’s how I was when I came out of college. Just the space and playing with these superstars, it’s not easy He’s still trying to figure it out but I want him to be more aggressive and just be himself.

“That’s going to help and that’s what I did. When young boys are having a hard time, I always say, ‘Be you.’ That will always be the key, especially in this league and if the team wants to win games I think he will do a great job.”

As a rookie, Knecht has shown flashes in his role with the Lakers. Although he expected defensive problems, he excelled offensively. He leads the team in minutes played with 26.7 per game and standings in the top four in points with 12 per game.

While the sample size is small and it’s only the preseason, there have been signs of Knecht’s potential in the games so far.. So far, the Lakers rookie has been positive every time he wears the purple and gold.

It’s encouraging to hear key rotation players like Hachimura praised, and that bodes well for what his rookie season could look like.

Not since Austin Reaves has a Lakers rookie had a significant impact during their freshman year. Knecht has a chance to work his way into the rotation and earn playing time this season, especially as he continues to impress during the preseason.

As Hachimura has said, Knecht just has to stay aggressive and be himself. And so far, Good things happen when he does that.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.