Lakers’ Dalton Knecht Ties NBA Rookie Record (Sports)
November 20, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers have the steal of the 2024 NBA Draft with Dalton Knecht. Knecht was seen as one of the country’s best college basketball players during his last season at Tennessee, but he wasn’t selected in the draft until the 17th pick because most teams feel that it’s better to draft 18 year olds that have the potential to be solid years down the line instead of a 23 year old who is ready to perform on the court immediately.
Knecht had his fourth career start the other night against the Utah Jazz, and dropped 37 points on 12 of 16 shooting (9 of 12 from three) with five rebounds and zero turnovers in a 124-118 Lakers win. His nine made three-pointers tied the NBA single game rookie record.
Over the last four games, Knecht has averaged 24.3 points while also leading the Lakers with a 9.3 plus-minus rating. Knecht has had an immediate impact as a shooter for the Lakers with the team off to a 10-4 start and currently on a six game winning streak.
DALTON KNECHT HAD HIMSELF A NIGHT:
— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2024
🔥 37 PTS (career high)
🔥 9 3PM (ties rookie record)
🔥 Scored 22 straight for LA@Lakers move 2-0 in #EmiratesNBACup play and are undefeated going back to last season 💯 pic.twitter.com/OjMOeKxY4p