Lakers' Dalton Knecht Impresses NBA Fans, Bronny James Struggles in Win vs. Bucks | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

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As one Los Angeles Lakers rookie impressed on Thursday, another struggled.

Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ No. 17 overall pick out of Tennessee, had 13 points, eight boards and four assists in Los Angeles’ 107-102 preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Knecht looked solid in his 34 minutes off the bench and should give Lakers fans confidence he can be productive early on.

While Knecht put up good numbers, Bronny James didn’t have much to show for in the win. The second-round pick went 0-of-4 from the field and 0-of-2 from deep, failing to get on the board in his six minutes.

James didn’t have quite as much time on the floor as Knecht, so perhaps the son of the legendary LeBron James will find his rhythm as the preseason continues.

After Los Angeles’ third preseason game, fans hyped up Knecht while recognizing James still has some work to do.

Dan Woike @DanWoikeSports

Dalton Knecht’s competitiveness on the glass and on defense in this game, while not perfect, has been exactly what the coaching staff has been looking for out of him. He’s obviously an offensively competent player.

Mike Garcia @CanyonDriver

A few games in, and I’ve liked how Knecht has been able to find ways to contribute without the high usage he had at the NCAA level; defending the rim as a low man, attacking the glass on both ends, playing hard defensively, and not outright forcing shots up.

🅱️ @b3ngiii

Dalton Knecht for Rookie of the year.

No Face No Case @dumbdeafndblind

Dalton Knecht smooth

Sports&Sporks @SportsandSporks

Dalton Knecht is ready for the NBA.
A Star will come to life in LA this season⭐️#LakeShow

💡 @khalilxblue

even dalton knecht’s misses look like they should go in. when he get used to the nba tempo, it’s over.

user susan @user_susan

dalton knecht doesn’t play like a rookie

Dane @IamJDane

Bronny is not ready. Not saying he can’t get there but he not ready right now

Yanisphia @Yanisphia

Bronny needs to be decisive in attacking the basket. He looks like he has no talent at all on the offensive end. He has good shooting form but I don’t see alot of his athleticism being used.
He’s quick and nimble but he taking full advantage of his gifts. Only during defense.

Bo 🐃 @bozackery

I’ll be surprised if Bronny James averages 4PPG in the G-League.

Trendsetta @DRtheSETTA

Listen I love Bronny but it’s time that brother go to the g league @Lakers he needs time to grow not nba ready like dalton !

It’s no surprise to see Knecht looking comfortable early on in the NBA after the season he had for the Vols last year. The SEC Player of the Year put up 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, leading Tennessee to an SEC regular season title and its first Elite Eight appearance since 2010.

For James, it was expected he would need a bit more time to develop, as do most second-round picks. After the preseason, he’ll likely spend some time in the G League to continue working on his game before hopefully finding a spot in the Lakers’ rotation.

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