It was only a preseason game, but Dalton Knecht proved to the NBA community why he was termed a ‘steal’ for the Lakers. The 17th-round pick conjured a 20-point lone run to help the Lakers achieve a thrilling win over the Phoenix Suns. “That was supernatural what he just did,” Redick said post-game. His lightning-shooting night also seemed to affect the most scrutinized draft rookie, Bronny James, positively.

The 20-year-old only added 4 points to the mix, however, his net differential for the first time reflected a positive impact. With Knecht being a certified weapon for the upcoming season, Lou Williams and Parsons were surprised that he wasn’t the major talk of the city. The Tennessee product had an envigorating collegiate campaign. And his fearless is finally getting the notice it warrants.

“It took 35 and 20 straight points in a preseason game and no one cares about it. But that’s what makes us talk about him?” Parsons questioned.

Among all the first-round picks, Knecht probably received the least attention due to him sharing the stage with Bronny. In some ways that might have also helped him develop a relentless mentality, one that great shooters possess. With this performance, the spotlight will now shine on Knecht. But with that, Williams noted that the expectations from the Laker Nation too will rise. At the same time, Parsons feels his ravishing displays will help the younger James immensely. This comes days after Rob Parker felt James looked “lost” on the court. But with Knecht taking the attention, the benefits of being freed of the microscope were surely evident in his game.

“You know who this is really great for? Bronny James. Maybe they are going to talk about the lottery pick more instead of making every little thing about Bronny James and putting more pressure and expectations on him,” the former Rocket said on Run it Up.

That was how it was supposed to be. From the time the Laker poached the 23-year-old in the draft, there was a looming feeling that he would instantly crack the rotation. LeBron James even said he was his favorite college player to watch. “I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height, the demeanor that he played with,” said the Akron Hammer.

With the regular season slowly closing in, JJ Redick too sees the tremendous potential of Knecht.

Dalton Knecht could become the missing piece for the Lakers

Similar to Bronny James, it took Knecht some time to fully settle into the NBA atmosphere. However, not only did he have greater exposure in college, but he is more seasoned than his fellow Lakers rookie. His skillset in particular stood out to Redick. Apart from a splashy jumper, the guard has a high release point, allowing him to shoot over the likes of even Bol Bol as he did against the Suns.

But even before his electrifying night, Redick was making plays for Knecht which he would use in the regular season. Shooting isn’t just a singular ability that the 17th pick possesses. He can do a lot more things due to his height, mainly being a glass crasher regularly. For the Lakers who ranked last in offensive rebounding last year, his ferocity and ability to execute game plans have stood out to Redick.

“He’s ready to play in the NBA. He is still growing in terms of learning how to play with physicality, learning some defensive nuances and timing. But another kid who, his heart and intent is the same every day and it’s always in the right place,” Redick raved about the rookie.

Another advantage is that Redick can relate well to the role that Dalton Knecht could potentially play for the Lakers. The unyielding will to keep shooting and making himself available is a skill the former Clipper excelled at during his long NBA career. Their dynamic will be pivotal to shaping Knecht into an ideal player for the Purple and Gold.

Now, with the confidence that he can be a game-changing component, Knecht looks prepared to shoulder the responsibilities levied on him. With him, the Lakers’ system can astronomically improve. Standing at 6’6″, the sharpshooter can flexibly fit into any lineup due to his shooting prowess. Moreover, once he learns to play through physicality, he can become a formidable defensive presence.

How do you project Dalton Knecht’s rookie season going? Let us know your views in the comments below.