JJ Redick believes Dalton Knecht is ready for an NBA role with the Lakers

One of the only major changes between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 rosters for the Los Angeles Lakers is the addition of rookie Dalton Knecht. The Lakers selected Knecht out of the University of Tennessee with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, head coach JJ Redick’s first selection with LA

Knecht is a 3-point sniper who can move without the ball and has good size for his position. He still needs to work on some things like sticking to a pattern defensively and making some decisions with the ball in his hands, but that should all come with time.

One person who isn’t worried at all is Redick. In fact, after just a few preseason games and a few practices, the Lakers’ head coach appears ready to make Knecht a full-time part of the rotation, according to Spectrum SportsNet:

“He’s ready to play in the NBA. He’s still developing as far as learning the physical style of play, learning some defensive nuances and timing. But a different child whose heart and intention are the same every day and are always in the right place. He didn’t shoot well, but what did he end up with, six offensive rebounds? He is someone who you tell him to do something and he will do it. “Dalton, fall from the corner.” You literally watch it on tape, he does it every time. And I really liked the offensive recovery of this group in the last quarter and the change.”

Knecht is averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists so far this preseason. And while his 3-point shooting didn’t fail, he found ways to still be effective and still put up numbers. Redick recognizes that type of mentality, which is why he knows Knecht is NBA-ready.

It gives the Lakers another option and a new look compared to last season if Knecht is part of the rotation. And when the 3-point shot returns, he should be a great fit next to LeBron James in any lineup combination.

Dalton Knecht wants to help JJ Redick achieve more coaching victories

The Lakers picked up their first win of the preseason on Thursday, which also marked Redick’s first win as a head coach. Knecht had another strong performance and is looking to crack Redick’s rotation at the start of the regular season.

Knecht finished the game with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the Lakers’ 107-102 win in Milwaukee and looked every bit like a player ready to contribute right away. That would do wonders as the Lakers look to push themselves back into championship contention in Redick’s first year as head coach, and Knecht is confident this team can do just that.

After Redick’s first coaching victory, Knecht noted that the team was careful to get him the game ball, but also added that they plan to be there in June to give him more wins.

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