JJ Redick reveals COLD one-liner from Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht during Kings game

JJ Redick applauds the LA Lakers' 17th overall pick Dalton Knecht for his impressive outing in three games.

JJ Redick reveals COLD one-liner from Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht during Kings game

JJ Redick applauds Knecht's production.

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their staggering start to the season by capturing their third straight victory. The 131-127 win against the Sacramento Kings came after a hard-fought battle in the fourth quarter. With stellar performances from Anthony Davis and LeBron James, head coach JJ Redick also credited rookie Dalton Knecht for the dub.

The 23-year-old rookie poured in only 20 minutes but contributed heavily with his timely 10 points. Dalton Knecht continues to impress the organization and JJ Redick, considering his late ranking draft. Chosen with the 17th overall pick, the 6-foot-6 guard is showing to be NBA-ready.

YouTube video

Knecht had played a combined 49 minutes in three games for the Lakers. With Redick gradually bumping up his playing time every game, the rookie might slide into the Laker’s rotation. The LA’s new style of motion offense and Knecht seem to align with his impressive 41.7% 3-point accuracy.

FS Video

Dalton was over there in his warmups just kind of casually stretching. I said, ‘Hey, are you ready to make a shot?’ He said, ‘I’m always ready.’

JJ Reddick told reporters

After three successful games to open the season, the Lakers’ roster rotation may soon be finalized. Whether Knecht will be a permanent contributing piece is still unclear. However, if the 212-pound guard can keep this production up, there is no question for leaving a spot for him.

RELATED
“Just because I scored 40…doesn’t mean I played good,” Nikola Jokic gives surprising response to Denver Nuggets struggles
Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic

Dalton Knecht can be a wildcard entry for Rookie of the Year

The rookie was drafted out of the University of Tennessee, with prior experience at two other colleges—Northeastern JC (2019–2021) and Northern Colorado (2021–2023). For a late first-round pick, Knecht performed surprisingly well in the preseason. His low draft stock was primarily due to him being a 23-year-old recruit, making him one of the older prospects.

Contrary to the scouts’ analysis, drafting a seasoned college veteran is paying off for the Lakers. Knecht is currently producing 7.7 points (50% FG) in just 16.3 minutes per outing for the team. Redick is likely bumping him up into the rotation, and a significant increase in offensive display is expected.

RELATED
Stephen A Smith DISSED on live TV after Kevin Durant leads Suns to spectacular win against Mavericks
Kevin Durant, Stephen A Smith

Given this year’s somewhat underwhelming NBA Draft, the Lakers rookie can make a run for the NBA Rookie of the Year. Some notable rookies like Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzles and Jared McCain of the Philadelphia Sixers had already been thrown in the mix. Apart from these rookies, there is little competition, and the award is pretty much up for contention.