JJ Redick benched Dalton Knecht for Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. The rookie didn’t line up for tip-off after starting for the LA Lakers in his previous four games. Redick’s decision didn’t turn out well, as the Lakers lost 127-102.
The rookie played 28 minutes and contributed nine points on 3-for-7 shooting, including 1-for-4 from behind the arc. Denver’s efficient night saw them pepper LA with 50-for-82 (61.0%) shots with 16-for-32 (50.0%) accuracy from deep.
Knecht didn’t seem to have his rhythm coming off the bench. He needed to adjust again after JJ Redick had made him a fixture in the starting lineup. The former Tennessee star, though, has made a case for himself as a regular starter. Perhaps, Redick could make that move following the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Nuggets.
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Three reasons why Dalton Knecht should be a starter
DALTON KNECHT HAD 6 THREES IN THE 3Q 😱 pic.twitter.com/g6WNhosxbH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 20, 2024
#3 Lakers have a winning record with Dalton Knecht as a starter
The LA Lakers went 3-1 in four games where Dalton Knecht was a starter. Knecht didn’t just go in for a ride during that stretch.
He was a big-time contributor to his team’s record. The game against the Utah Jazz where he scored a career-high 37 points is an example of how he can impact the Lakers.
If “don’t fix what ain’t broke” is something Redick believes in, he might consider making Knecht a starter.
#2 Knecht is the Lakers’ most efficient volume 3-point shooter
Knecht averages 5.6 3-point attempts this season, making 2.3 shots for a blistering 45.0% efficiency. In four games as a starter, he had a 58% clip from behind the arc. Nobody on Redick’s roster combines volume and efficiency the way Knecht does.
When Knecht is on the floor, defenses have to account for him. The rookie’s presence alone helps give LeBron James and Anthony Davis daylight to shoot.
#1 LeBron James and Austin Reaves have developed strong chemistry with Dalton Knecht
JJ Redick said after the LA Lakers’ 124-118 win over the Utah Jazz that Dalton Knecht has developed strong chemistry with the team’s playmakers.
The coach gave one instance where Austin Reaves whipped a corner pass without even looking if the rookie was there. Redick could help build more of that trust by letting Knecht start with Reaves and LeBron James.
Rui Hachimura’s return from injury was likely the reason why Knecht went back to the bench. But with the way the Lakers were playing with the sharpshooter starting, Redick might consider benching the Japanese for the rookie.
Knecht earned his minutes and the role as a starter because of his play. The coach might not overlook that by keeping his best shooter in the starting lineup.
