Dalton Knecht stats tonight: How did LA Lakers rookie fare against Cleveland Cavaliers?

LA Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht is still trying to find his rhythm in the 2024-25 NBA season. The No. 17 overall pick shined during the preseason, even dropping 35 points against the Phoenix Suns, but after official games started, his contributions decreased.

He traveled to Cleveland to play his fifth professional game with the Lakers (3-1), hoping to get more reps and help his squad continue its good start to the season against the undefeated Cavaliers (4-0).

Knecht played one minute in the first quarter, but didn't do anything of note for the Lakers, who lost the period 42-23.

Dalton Knecht clocked six more minutes in the second quarter, but his contributions were almost null. He attempted three shots, all from beyond the arc, and missed every one of them. He didn't grab a rebound or assist his teammates and finished the first half with a plus/minus of -8.

Knecht only played three minutes in the third quarter, but he went scoreless again. The rookie dished one assist and committed a turnover as the Lakers lost the third period 32-31.

The fourth quarter was more of the same for the Lakers, but Dalton Knecht took advantage of his opportunity, hitting six of 12 field goal attempts and two of seven 3-point attempts for 18 points. He grabbed three rebounds, but his efforts weren't enough to help his team surpass the inspired Cavaliers.

Check out his stats below.

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO
Dalton Knecht	18	3	1	0	0	1

Dalton Knecht posted the best game of his young NBA career

Even though the Lakers were beaten heavily by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dalton Knecht bounced back after dropping zero points against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

He shot 50% from the field and finished with 18 points, surpassing the 10 points he scored against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, the eight points he scored against the Suns last Friday and the five points he scored against the Timberwolves in the season opener.

Besides LeBron James (26 points), Anthony Davis (22) and D'Angelo Russell (10), Dalton Knecht was the fourth Lakers player to score in double digits and the best coming off the bench.

The result wasn't the best for the team, but if Knecht keeps improving, the Lakers will have another solid scorer to rely on moving forward.