Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James offered high praise for rookie teammate Dalton Knecht following the team’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Friday’s NBA Cup game. James highlighted Knecht’s adaptability and potential as key assets for the Purple and Gold.
“Dalton fits in anything you want to do,” James said, per Ryan Ward. “He’s going to continue to make his mistakes, which is okay as a rookie. Offensively, he’s going to do what he needs to do. Shoots the ball extremely well. He can attack. Sneaky athletic, but good to have him on the floor, no matter what position he’s playing. He’s a piece for us.”
Knecht, 23, has made an early impact in his debut NBA season. Starting in seven games, he is averaging 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 23.8 minutes per game.
Against Oklahoma City, he led the Lakers with 20 points, connecting on five 3-pointers, showcasing his offensive versatility.
Despite Knecht’s strong performance, the Lakers fell short in a 101-93 loss to the Thunder, eliminating them from advancing to the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 36 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, solidifying the Thunder’s dominance in West Group B.
The Lakers struggled with consistency throughout the game but remained competitive until the final minutes. With 22.4 seconds left, a costly turnover by Austin Reaves resulted in a decisive dunk by Jalen Williams, sealing Oklahoma City’s victory.
Los Angeles struggled with turnovers, committing 17, which the Thunder converted into 21 points. Poor shooting from beyond the arc also hindered their efforts, as the Lakers hit just 28.9% of their attempts compared to Oklahoma City’s 32.5%.
James contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Anthony Davis posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell provided a spark off the bench with 17 points.
Despite the loss, James’ confidence in Knecht’s growth offers a bright spot for Los Angeles. The rookie’s ability to contribute offensively and adapt to different roles has positioned him as a valuable piece for the team moving forward.
The Lakers, now 11-8 on the season, will focus on improving their consistency as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
