After a brief exploit with Dalton Knecht at the top, the Lakers take a U-Turn. Something that troubled the LA side last season was the ever-changing starting lineups. And on the other hand, the first thing JJ Redick did was to announce the starting lineup before the start of the season. However, 15 games into the fresh season, Redick has already altered it a few times. Importantly, injuries also played a part in the decision. Nevertheless, let’s find out the fresh changes.

The first big change came when the star coach pushed D’Angelo Russell to the bench and promoted Cam Reddish to the starting lineup. It not only improved the defense early in the game but also positively affected the winning. Following that, Rui Hachimura, the starting shooting guard, sustained a sprained ankle injury and missed four straight games. Amid this situation, JJ promoted Dalton Knecht to the starting lineup and made him part of the 6-game winning streak.

Importantly, the rising star responded to the assignment very well, exploding at the right time. Notably, Knecht dropped his career high of 37 points in this stretch. However, with Rui Hachimira recovering from his ankle injury, the first question that a reporter asked at the pre-game presser was about Knecht’s place in the starting lineup.

And, JJ has pushed him back to the bench and returned to the previous lineup, with Cam Reddish and Austin Reaves as guards. Moreover, the coach ensured that Dalton would get extended minutes compared to his previous limited role on the bench, as per Jovan Buha. Will this change affect the Lakers’ confident run in the last games? Especially, since the team is taking on their playoff rival, the Denver Nuggets.

Will JJ Redick’s new role definition for Knecht work?

This season, only a few rookies have stood out of the lot. And those weren’t the top three picks. Jared McCain, Dalton Knecht, and Stephon Castle are some names that have made a strong impression early this season. In the case of Knecht, the 23-year-old has an impressive display and has consistently proved it so far. Especially, in the game against the Utah Jazz, the rookie dropped 21 points in a single quarter with four back-to-back three-pointers.

Knecht finished the game with 37 points and 9-11 FG from the deep. The rising star definitely has the potential to turn the game with just a quarter. Much like what Klay Thompson did for the Warriors during his prime. So, if not for the starting lineup, JJ Redick can tactically check him in at times of distress. Or whenever the coach wanted to increase the space on the court.

Tonight, the coach checked him in with 5 minutes left in the first quarter. And Redick again put him back in the mix for the late end of the second quarter. In total, he has played 13 minutes in the first half, which is more than what Gabe Vincent and Max Christie have played. Moreover, he has added 5 points to the total that included a 1-1 FG from the deep. So, coming back in the second quarter, the rising star might have more minutes. What do you think of the change? Let us know in the comments.