NBA News: JJ Redick and LeBron deliver positive message to Lakers rookie Knecht after problems

One of Thursday night’s major storylines wasn’t just that Los Angeles Lakers secured their first victory 2024-25 NBA Preseason against the Milwaukee Bucksbut also a newbie Dalton KnetchShooting difficulties. After the game, Knetch shared the encouraging messages he received from JJ Redick and LeBron James.

“As I stood on the sidelines, Bron told me to just keep going. He doesn’t care what I shoot. The same goes for JJThey said they didn’t care what I photographed. Just let them keep flying. I know this is the best for me (To) Keep shooting and let it fly with confidence It’s really good to have that” said Knetch in the post-game press conference.

Knetch also touched on the way they got their first win, which they wanted to achieve in this season’s finale: “We got the game ball for him. The first (Victory) is cool, We will be there on June 5th (when the 2025 NBA Finals begin) and we give them even more.”

Although he is the second highest goalscorer behind them Rui HachimuraKnetch’s The shooting accuracy was disappointingespecially in the second half when LeBron didn’t play.

In 34 minutesKnetch scored 13 pointsShoot 50% on 2-point attempts (3 of 6), but fighting from outside the arc, only scoring 2 out of 10 three-point shotsall recorded in the second half, for a 20% conversion rate. Despite his difficulty shooting, he contributed eight rebounds And four assists.

A grateful surprise from another teenager

With the Lakers behind 74-82 in the third quarterHead coach JJ Redick gave his stars a break by sitting Hachimura, LeBron and… Anthony Davis for the rest of the game. A comeback seemed unlikely But a young player stepped up to turn the tide.

23-year-old guard Quincy Olivari entered the fieldhappens to be a game changer. He managed to score a goal 11 pointsgrabbed five rebounds and had two assists during one 9 minute 24 second shiftwhich helped the Lakers get their first preseason win.

Olivari, on a “Exhibition 10“The contract calls for him to be sent to the G-League during the regular season. surprised everyone with his performance. It remains to be seen whether he not only deserves a standard minimum offer, but also a place in Redick’s plans for the coming season.