Dalton Knecht has encountered a rocky start to his journey in the California Classic, struggling to find his shooting rhythm as the Los Angeles Lakers faced setbacks. The Lakers' recent 92-68 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday underscored the rookie's difficulties.
Over the course of 22 minutes, Knecht managed to score 12 points but was hampered by an off-target shooting performance, making just 3 out of 13 attempts. This performance followed another challenging game on Saturday, where he finished with a similar shooting percentage, going 3-of-12. Through these initial summer league games, Knecht has been just 2-of-15 on jumpers, translating to a mere 13.3% accuracy.
Despite these setbacks, Knecht has shown his aggressive approach on the floor, successfully getting to the free-throw line 14 times across the first two games. Additionally, he has demonstrated an ability to convert shots at the rim, with a 4-of-8 success rate.
This early struggle seems out of character for a player who averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game during his final collegiate season at Tennessee. Knecht’s college stats reflect a strong shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, where he hit 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, according to Synergy Sports.
Knecht's potential was widely recognized leading up to the draft, where he was considered a consensus top-10 pick. However, he unexpectedly slid out of the lottery on draft night, adding an element of surprise to his professional journey.
Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains unfazed by Knecht's initial shooting woes. "Just being patient with it," Johnson noted. "It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it."
Knecht himself is aware of the adjustment period he is undergoing. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting," said Knecht. Displaying the resilience and confidence of a seasoned shooter, he added, "Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot."
The rookie's persistence and the coaching staff's confidence bodes well for his future games. The Lakers will have one last opportunity to showcase their growth in the California Classic when they face the Miami Heat on Wednesday. For Knecht, that game offers another chance to break through and find the consistency that defined his collegiate career.
As a player who thrives on catching and shooting, integrating into the rhythm of the summer league is vital for Knecht. The early hurdles he has faced could very well be part of the adjustment phase, and with continued focus and opportunities, he may yet demonstrate why he was once considered a top-10 draft pick.
The Lakers, aiming for a balanced and productive summer league, will benefit from Knecht finding his form and contributing as expected. With patience from his coaches and teammates, and Knecht's own determination, the outlook remains positive for a strong comeback to the game he loves.