Dalton Knecht has been facing a challenging start to his summer league journey, struggling to find his rhythm during the California Classic. The Los Angeles Lakers fell short against the Golden State Warriors, losing 92-68 on Sunday. Knecht, despite managing to score 12 points, was hampered by poor shooting, going just 3-of-13 in his 22 minutes of play. This came a day after he similarly struggled, finishing 3-of-12 from the field on Saturday.
The promising talent, known for his scoring prowess at Tennessee where he averaged 21.7 points per game in his final collegiate season, has encountered early hurdles transitioning to the professional level. Through his first two summer league games, Knecht has been particularly cold on his jump shots, hitting only 2-of-15, reflecting a meager 13.3% accuracy. However, he has found some solace at the free-throw line, getting there 14 times across the two games and converting 4-of-8 shots at the rim.
Despite these initial struggles, Knecht's past performance speaks volumes about his capabilities. During his time at Tennessee, he was a sharpshooter, sinking 42.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers as noted by Synergy Sports. His draft night slide, from a consensus top-10 pick to out of the lottery, adds layers to his current journey, placing a spotlight on his potential upside and the expectations that come with it.
Patience and persistence seem to be the guiding principles for Knecht and his supporting cast. Lakers’ summer league coach, Dane Johnson, remains optimistic about Knecht's trajectory. "Just being patient with it. It's a long summer league. It's going to come. He's a great player, so I'm not worried about him missing some of the shots he's taking. He's a great shooter. Let the game come to him. There are some [flashes] where you see that he's got it,” Johnson said.
Knecht himself acknowledges the adjustment period and remains focused on his approach. "I haven't played since March. Just finding my rhythm again and keep playing with these new guys and keep adjusting. … Shooters shoot. My dad always told me the next shot is going in. Shooters shoot," he reflected.
The Lakers will have one more opportunity to showcase their talents in the California Classic, facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday. For Knecht, it will be another chance to find his footing and demonstrate the skills that once made him a top draft prospect. The narrative of his summer league performance is still being written, and all eyes will be on how he responds to these early challenges.
The path from college stardom to NBA success is often fraught with bumps and hurdles, and Dalton Knecht is currently navigating his own set of obstacles. The pressure to perform and live up to expectations can be overwhelming, but it's also an integral part of the development process for any emerging player. Knecht's resolve, reinforced by a strong support system, remains his most valuable asset as he continues to adapt to the rigors of professional basketball.
As the Lakers prepare for their final matchup in the California Classic, fans and analysts will be eager to see if Knecht can recapture the form that made him a standout at Tennessee. However, the summer league is as much about growth and learning as it is about immediate results. For Knecht, this period represents an invaluable opportunity to fine-tune his skills, build chemistry with his teammates, and make a case for why he deserves a spot on the Lakers’ roster as they look forward to the upcoming NBA season.