“When you play a good basketball team, you can’t make that many mistakes.” JJ Redick indicated that a change needs to be brought in the aftermath of the Lakers-Cavaliers matchup. After all, having enjoyed the honeymoon phase in which the LeBron James-led franchise won its first 3 regular-season matchups of the season, the franchise has now lost two of its most recent ones. To top it off, the Lakers lost against the Cavaliers, a team that has only made the playoffs twice in the last 6 years, by a 24-point margin! With Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, two main starters, not being as effective as needed, the coach is now urged to bring in the Lakers’ next big weapon: A rookie.

Recapping the Lakers-Cavaliers game, Josiah Johnson revealed that Dalton Knecht came off the bench and ended up dropping 18 points within a span of 22 minutes. Meanwhile, if we combine the points scored by Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, they are still missing that threshold. Not looking to joke around with words (the irony being that he was dressed as The Joker), Rashad McCants criticized the Lakers’ performance as “disgusting.” He especially found it “stomach-turning to watch Austin Reeves get outplayed by him.” Even Russell didn’t escape criticism. In light of this, the former player believes that Rob Pelinka needs to reevaluate his priorities if the Lakers wish to ‘put a smile’ on everyone’s faces. (Joker pun. Got it? No?)

“Dalton Knecht is their star player. They need to invest in him,” McCants said on Gil’s Arena. “If it was just a ‘this year’ thing, then yeah. They need to invest in him.”

Initially, he may have come off as the ‘other draft pick,’ despite the team taking him in during the first round and before Bronny James. However, the player has spent the preseason and the regular season most likely impressing both the players and fans of the LA franchise. After all, during his five appearances in the preseason, the rookie averaged 18 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2 assists. While he may have shot better, with the field goal percentage standing at 43.7% and a three-pointer percentage at 36.0%, his high number of attempts ensured that he deposited some points to the team’s overall score.

Knecht may have first made the radar after his preseason performance against the Phoenix Suns, during which he made 35 points in 32 minutes! Knecht going 10-18 from the field, 8-13 from three, and 7-8 from the free throw line. Only 1 turnover and 1 personal foul cast the slightest mark on an overall commendable performance. For JJ Redick, Knecht’s performance was a moment of pride. This was seen when he revealed, “He’s got no fear, he’s not afraid of a moment. That was a show he put on, and my assistants tried to tell me not to put him back in the game with four minutes to go so, I’m going to get them afterwards, I tell you that.”

The recent abysmal performance of Austin Reaves was something that came out of the blue. After all, he had averaged 19.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists during the last 4 games. However, doubts about D’Angelo Russell have existed since his playoff performance against the Denver Nuggets from last season. Now, with a 10.8 points average, he isn’t leaving behind a good impression.

Dalton Knecht continues making a case for himself regarding why he should be a starter. Furthermore, his on-court efforts aren’t the only way he is doing so, since the rookie is making an equal effort off of it too.

Dalton Knecht reveals following the same training regime as LeBron James

What better way to make a good impression on your peers than by following the same training regime as the lead scorer? Despite being 39 years of age, and just a couple of weeks shy of his 40, there is a reason why LeBron James continues to not only dominate his whole team but in the NBA as a whole too. Therefore, by just his behind-the-scenes actions, the four-time champion is leaving behind some lessons, and the rookie is here to soak them up.

“Last week, I was getting some shots up with Bron and watching how he does his routine. I’m picking up his routine on a day-to-day basis,” said Knecht in an interview. “I noticed Bron’s mindset and his preparation to begin the workout, and his recovery after the workout. Whether it’s going into the cold tubs or cry (therapy), he takes care of his body. He’s one of the greatest ever to play basketball. His longevity is crazy. He recovers his body really well. I’ve always wanted to learn from him and see how he does that.”

Do you believe that Dalton Knecht has what it takes to be a starter? Should the team give Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell a chance to improve and keep the rookie as the sixth man? Let us know in the comments down below.