After a promising rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dalton Knecht didn’t open his second season on the brightest note. The former Tennessee standout, who averaged 9.1 points across 78 games last season, struggled in the Lakers’ Summer League debut on Saturday during the California Classic.
Facing the Golden State Warriors, Knecht managed just 10 points, shooting 3-of-13 from the field and missing all six of his three-point attempts, as the Lakers fell 89–87.
Despite the rocky start, Knecht delivered a determined message to his teammates after the game:
“It took a while for me to get going; I didn’t get going at all,” Knecht said. “I just have to come out ready to play better tomorrow and shake off the rust. My teammates were great, they came out competing, picking up full court, rebounding and crashing the glass, so I’m proud of my team.”
The 2024 first-round pick hasn’t taken his offseason lightly. Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Knecht revealed he’s been putting in serious work ever since the Lakers’ playoff exit.
> “Starting at 6, I started since the season ended, right after the loss, pretty much started right away,” Knecht said. “Didn’t take any time off, so just getting in the gym starting at 6 a.m. and then going with the guys at 10 and coming back later at night to get up as many shots as I can and just working on my game and craft.”
At just 24, Knecht’s work ethic and mindset seem locked in—now he’s focused on making sure the performance catches up.
