In an unexpected turn of events that has energized the Lakers’ fanbase, rookie sensation Dalton Knecht and established guard Austin Reaves are proving to be formidable partners turning heads across the NBA.
The chemistry between the two players jumped into the spotlight when Knecht, thrust into the starting lineup following Rui Hachimura’s injury, delivered a jaw-dropping performance that included tying an NBA rookie record with nine three-pointers in a single game. The rookie’s explosive 37-point showcase has become the talk of the league.
“Austin has been there from the beginning,” Knecht revealed, discussing his relationship with Reaves. “He was texting me during my time in Tennessee, and now he’s become my go-to person for any questions I have.” The pair’s dedication shows in their routine, as they remain on the court after every practice for additional shooting sessions.
Their on-court chemistry translates into impressive statistics. The duo boasts a remarkable 7.9 net rating in their four games together since Knecht’s promotion to the starting lineup – the highest of any Lakers’ pair with over 60 minutes of shared court time during this stretch.
Watching from the bench during Knecht’s breakout game, Reaves couldn’t contain his excitement. “It was phenomenal,” he beamed. “When he sees his first couple of shots go in, he can get in that mode where he’s unconscious. I expect it from him because I’ve watched him a lot.”
The veteran guard’s faith in his rookie teammate runs deep. When asked what advice he’d give Knecht, Reaves stated, “To be honest, I don’t think he needs any advice. He’s a killer. You challenge him with something, and he accepts any challenge thrown at him.”
Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star big man, added his voice to the chorus of praise. “We all knew what he could do,” Davis declared. “He’s more of a veteran player than many rookies because of his extended college career. His confidence is very high, and he’s been phenomenal.”
The numbers back up the praise. Knecht is shooting an impressive 46.4% from three-point range this season, but his recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has hit 67.7% of his shots from beyond the arc in the last four games. Meanwhile, Reaves continues to prove his worth to the Lakers, posting solid numbers across the board.
- 17.9 points per game (51st in NBA)
- 5.4 assists per game (33rd in NBA)
- 2.9 three-pointers made per game (20th in NBA)
- 45% field goal percentage (81st in NBA)
The Lakers’ next test comes against the Orlando Magic on November 21, 2024, at 10:30 PM, where fans can watch this budding partnership continue to develop. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis serving as the team’s cornerstones, the emergence of the Knecht-Reaves connection adds another dimension to the Lakers’ arsenal.
Their complementary skills and growing chemistry suggest this partnership could be critical to the Lakers’ future success. As Davis noted, Knecht has “put the league on notice,” with Reaves by his side, the Lakers’ future looks increasingly bright. The duo’s success story serves as a testament to the importance of veteran mentorship and the impact of confidence in young talent development.