Dalton Knecht is quickly establishing himself among the NBA’s elite rookies, as evidenced by his breakout performance where he scored a career-high 37 points in a decisive victory against the Utah Jazz. Some observers may have been surprised by such a performance, but veteran winger LeBron James had anticipated this moment from afar.
“I followed his journey at Tennessee closely. Honestly, I never thought he would be available for us,” James told reporters after the game. “I had a feeling it was going to be complicated. I’m incredibly grateful that he fell all the way to us in 17th; I knew exactly what type of player he would be for us. »
Knecht undoubtedly proved to be a dynamic scorer during his college career, but part of his early success in the NBA can be attributed to the perfect fit he found within the Lakers system. Under the precise direction of JJ Redick, who implemented effective offensive schemes suitable for Knecht, the rookie also benefits from an immediate rapport with James.
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James’ impressive 12 assists to Knecht demonstrate a palpable chemistry between the two players. James’ innate ability to read the game in real time resulted in perfectly orchestrated plays that increased scoring opportunities for Knecht beyond what he experienced in college.
Knecht’s versatility shines in transition, making him a threat beyond his status as a 3-point specialist; he has proven himself to be a multi-level scorer capable of performing impressive dunks, thanks to his exceptional athleticism. James often looks for him on fast breaks, even giving him a layup after a throw-in from their own basket.
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As teams continue to close the paint against James, even at 40, having reliable shooters like Knecht is crucial. James is most effective when sneaking to the basket, often facing added defensive pressure as opponents attempt to restrict his space.
This pressure dissipates when Knecht is on the field. A recent play illustrates this perfectly: Jazz star Lauri Markkanen made the costly decision to give him too much space.
The smooth interaction between James and Knecht has significantly improved the Lakers’ overall performance this season when they are on the court together. According to PBP Stats, Los Angeles has outscored its opponents by 4.25 points per 100 possessions with this duo on the court. In contrast, when James is without Knecht, the Lakers lost by 4.29 points per 100 possessions. Knecht’s ability to expand the game had a significant impact.
This remarkable synergy relies on the high level of trust James has developed in his rookie sharpshooter. Every time James passes the ball to Knecht, he’s sure he’s going to find the basket.
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James’ confidence is based on his observations of Knecht’s performance at Tennessee, where he shot an impressive 39.7 percent from three-point range last season. The intriguing partnership between a basketball virtuoso and a shooting sensation is proving to be a winning formula for the Lakers.
