Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht has had an inconsistent rookie season.
In a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Nov. 19, he scored a season-high 37 points. Since then, he has struggled to build off that performance. Through his first 61 games, the former Tennessee Volunteers star had averaged 9.2 points per game, three rebounds per game and 0.9 assists per game.
In February, the Lakers traded Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, but the deal was rescinded after the center failed his physical.
To help him regain confidence, Lakers guard Austin Reaves sent him an encouraging message before Friday night's road matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
"I told him in the huddle, I said, 'Hey, if you want to shoot it, shoot it. I don't care if you shoot it 35 times, we're going to need every bucket you can get," Reaves said, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
Reaves' message worked. In a 131-126 loss, Knecht scored 32 points and shot 5-of-13 from the 3-point line.
Dalton Knecht:
Leads All Rookies in Games w/ 5+ 3PM:
7 Games:
9/12 vs UTA
6/13 vs OKC
5/5 vs MEM
5/10 vs NOP
5/8 vs PHI
5/8 vs LAC
5/13 vs DEN
40/69 (57%) pic.twitter.com/nmyu254rfo
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) March 15, 2025
"[Reaves] texted me throughout my college career and gave me advice," Knecht said of Reaves' comment in a postgame news conference. "And now that we're on the same team, he's been pretty much my main vet that I can go to and talk to and has my back 100% ... Having a guy like that help me and be super confident in me, it means a lot."
The Lakers have lost four straight games and are shorthanded. Forward LeBron James (groin) and guard Luka Doncic (ankle/calf) are dealing with injuries.
However, Knecht continuing to improve amid the tough stretch would be a positive for the Lakers.
Related: Lakers' Botched Trade in Different Light After Rookie's History Performance
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM.