Let’s talk about a Los Angeles Lakers rookie!
And his last name isn’t even James…
Rookie Shines For Lakers
What Happened: Well, it’s finally happening.
After dominating headlines around the 2024 draft, the Lakers are finally getting a major contribution from a prized rookie selection who might just help propel them to the upper-half of the Western Conference standings…
Why It Matters: Of course, the rookie making an impact is not Bronny James, who is currently stinking it up in the G League. It’s former Tennessee bucket getter Dalton Knecht, the 17th pick of the draft after a surprising tumble out of the lottery.
Knecht went off for 37 points in a win over Utah last night, sinking nine of his 12 3-point attempts and tying a rookie record in the process.
Is that enough for Knecht to be considered a Rookie of the Year contender? Based off odds movement, absolutely.
As recently as last weekend, the Laker sharpshooter was at +1800 to win ROY honors. Jared McCain, thrust into a major role with the 76ers due to injury, was (and still is) the favorite at +160, top pick Zaccharie Risacher (+700) has impressed as his role expands in Atlanta, and Zach Edey (+1400) was playing well for Memphis before suffering an ankle injury.
It also helps that the Lakers are 10-4 and third in the West. NBA observers (i.e. award voters) will have a hard time denying a budding star on one of the NBA’s crown jewel franchises an award, and if Knecht (26 PPG over his last three) solidifies himself as an option on offense alongside LeBron and AD, he’ll be tough to bet against come award season.
What We’re Watching Today
Hurricanes at Flyers (7:30 PM ET) – The Hurricanes remain strong contenders, leading the Eastern Conference in points percentage and dropping just four of 17 games. Philly’s youth movement has resulted in some mediocre hockey so far this season, but winning six of its last 10 is an encouraging sign.
Knicks at Suns (10:00 PM ET) – Take your pick of two teams loaded with stars and expectations that aren’t where they want to be in the standings yet. Momentum here favors the Knicks (winners of three straight) over the home team (four straight losses.)
The Look Ahead
Mikal Bridges POINTS – The Knicks forward has hit the 20-point mark in three of his last four games, including a season high 22 against the Nets in a two-point win. His line for tonight (15.5) doesn’t worry us against a Phoenix Suns squad that ranks in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating.
