Recently, there’s been some buzz around Dalton Knecht and the way the Lakers have handled his media presence, particularly with Bronny James also in the mix. While some fans feel that Knecht, the rookie out of the University of Tennessee, might not have received the spotlight he deserves, it’s important to note that the Lakers’ approach isn’t about doing him “dirty.” Rather, it’s about balancing the media attention across a roster full of personalities—especially when LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, is involved.

1. Dalton Knecht’s Path to the NBA

Dalton Knecht’s journey to the NBA is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Coming into the league as a second-round pick, Knecht has displayed immense potential as a shooter and scorer. His ability to space the floor and his impressive college resume make him an intriguing addition to the Lakers roster.

Given the Lakers’ focus on winning now with veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, young players like Knecht must prove themselves through their play on the court. The fact that he’s not yet front and center in media interviews doesn’t reflect his importance to the team—it’s more about letting his game do the talking as he adjusts to the NBA level.

What to Expect from Knecht This Season

Knecht’s shooting ability could earn him minutes in a rotation that needs consistent perimeter threats. If he continues to perform well during training camp, he could become a valuable contributor off the bench, particularly in lineups where LeBron and AD need floor spacers around them.

2. The Bronny James Factor

When it comes to media attention, Bronny James naturally commands a lot of it, given his pedigree as the son of one of the greatest players of all time. Bronny’s journey to the NBA is being closely followed, and fans are eager to see how he performs, especially after the health scare that derailed his summer.

That being said, Bronny should have his own spotlight—separate from Dalton Knecht or any other young player on the Lakers roster. The focus should be on Bronny’s development and health as he prepares for what could be an exciting career, but his presence in the media shouldn’t overshadow the contributions of other young players like Knecht.

Media Spotlight: Balancing Star Power and Young Talent

The Lakers, being one of the most popular franchises in sports, are used to juggling media attention. With LeBron and AD at the forefront, and Bronny’s presence drawing headlines, there’s a need to balance the attention given to young prospects. It’s a delicate task for the Lakers organization to ensure that all players feel valued and get their opportunity to shine, even when a future star like Bronny James is involved.

3. Did Dalton Knecht Get Overlooked?

It’s easy to feel that Dalton Knecht might be overshadowed by the bigger names on the roster, but in reality, the Lakers have always been a team where young players earn their ᵴtriƥes on the court before getting widespread media attention. Knecht is in the early stages of his NBA journey, and his time to grab headlines will come, especially if he can carve out a role in the rotation during the season.

What Knecht Needs to Focus On:

• Prove it on the Court: Knecht needs to continue showcasing his three-point shooting and defensive versatility. If he can establish himself as a reliable shooter, his contributions will become too important to overlook.
• Opportunities Will Come: With veterans like LeBron potentially taking some games off for load management, Knecht may have opportunities to step up and prove his worth. It’s crucial for him to stay ready and make the most of every minute he’s given on the floor.

4. Bronny’s Media Spotlight

Bronny James deserves attention for his own accomplishments and future potential, but that spotlight should be separate from that of his Lakers teammates like Knecht. Bronny is still in his developmental phase, and the focus should remain on his health and growth as a player. As his career progresses, he will undoubtedly have many interviews and media opportunities to tell his story.

Conclusion: Knecht’s Time Will Come, and Bronny’s Should Be His Own

The Lakers haven’t done Dalton Knecht “dirty”—his path, like many young players, involves proving himself on the court before the media attention fully comes. With Bronny James generating significant interest, it’s easy for fans to feel like other players are being overshadowed, but in a franchise like the Lakers, it’s all about timing. Both Knecht and Bronny will have their moments in the spotlight, and for now, the focus for Knecht should be on continuing to impress in training camp and earning a role in the rotation.

Bronny, on the other hand, should be celebrated for his own journey, with interviews and media presence centered around his unique story and development, separate from the expectations of other rookies.