Dalton Knecht has been navigating a challenging stretch in his initial outings during the California Classic. The Lakers' recent 92-68 defeat to the Golden State Warriors highlighted the young forward's difficulties in finding his offensive stride.
In Sunday's matchup, Knecht managed to score 12 points, but it took a laborious 3-of-13 shooting effort over 22 minutes. This followed a similar performance on Saturday, where he finished 3-of-12 from the floor. Across his first two summer league games, Knecht has struggled significantly with his jumpers, hitting only 2-of-15 attempts—equating to a mere 13.3% success rate.
Despite these shooting woes, Knecht demonstrated resilience and versatility by frequently getting to the free-throw line. Over the two games, he made 14 trips to the charity stripe and scored on 4-of-8 attempts at the rim. This ability to draw fouls and finish around the basket is a positive sign amidst his current shooting struggles.
Reflecting on his college days, Knecht had dazzled in his final season at Tennessee, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points per game. Renowned for his shooting prowess, he converted 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, according to Synergy Sports. His pre-draft projections held him as a consensus top-10 pick before he eventually slipped out of the lottery on draft night.
The Lakers' summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's potential and encourages patience. "Just being patient with it. 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," Johnson said.
Knecht himself acknowledges the period of adjustment he's undergoing. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot," he noted.
As the Lakers pivot to their final game of the California Classic against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, the team and fans alike are hopeful that Knecht will rediscover the form that made him a standout in college. While his shooting percentages might be concerning at this early stage, the emphasis remains on his overall development and ability to adjust to the professional level.
Knecht's journey in the summer league serves as a crucial stepping stone in his basketball career. The Lakers' faith in his talent and their supportive approach will be integral as he works to find his groove. In the grand scheme, these early experiences, with all their highs and lows, are part of the growth process for any rookie stepping into the NBA.
With his proven track record from college and a mindset geared towards continuous improvement, Dalton Knecht remains a promising prospect. The upcoming game presents another opportunity for him to prove his mettle, refine his skills, and contribute more effectively to his team's efforts.