Halfway through the preseason, the Lakers’ younger players have provided some of the brightest moments for the team so far.
Jalen Hood-Schifino has shined in training camp and Quincy Olivari helped the back-of-the-bench guys rally against the Milwaukee Bucks to give JJ Redick his first win as a coach, albeit in preseason play.
In the victory against the Bucks, Dalton Knecht had another strong showing, ending the night with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists in his 34 minutes of action.
After the game, Rui Hachimura praised Knecht’s play and shared some insights on advice he has for any of the younger guys on the team.
“I like how 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. I was like that, too, when I came out of college. Just the spacing 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. For young guys, when they struggle, I always tell them ‘Be you.’ That’s always going to be key, especially in this league and for the team to win games. I think he’s been doing great.”
As a rookie, Knecht has shown flashes in his role with the Lakers. Even though he’s had expected struggles on the defensive side, he’s excelled offensively. He’s leading the team in minutes played at 26.7 per game and ranks in the top four in points with 12 per game.
While the sample size is small and it’s just preseason, there have been signs of Knecht’s potential all throughout the games so far. So far, the Lakers rookie has been a net positive every time he’s worn the purple and gold.
Hearing key rotation players like Hachimura praising him is encouraging and bodes well for what his rookie season might look like.
Not since Austin Reaves has a Lakers rookie had a significant impact during their first year. Knecht has a chance to fight 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.