The Los Angeles Lakers are riding high with one of their best starts in recent years, thanks in part to an unexpected source of brilliance: rookie Dalton Knecht. While LeBron James continues to defy age and Anthony Davis maintains his dominant form, it’s Knecht who’s stealing the spotlight. His electrifying performance against the Utah Jazz, where he scored 37 points—including 22 points in a single quarter—has cemented him as a rising star in the NBA.

Knecht’s explosive game against Utah was a spectacle, hitting 9 of 12 from three-point range, while also contributing five rebounds. His near-perfect shooting from the field (12 of 16) highlights his deadly accuracy and confidence. This isn’t a fluke; Knecht has consistently delivered strong performances, including scoring 14, 19, and 27 points in earlier games, with many seeing him as one of the biggest steals of the 2024 draft.

While his impressive skills weren’t built overnight, Knecht’s path to the NBA has been shaped by hard work and a deep love for the game. With a strong college career that took him from Northeastern JC to Northern Colorado, and finally to Tennessee, Knecht’s dedication to his craft has clearly paid off. “It’s being at home. You hear what you want, you play basketball and disconnect from reality,” he shared, emphasizing how he immerses himself in the sport to continuously improve.

ALSO READ: Bronny James Faces Heel Injury After G League Appearance, Doubtful for Lakers’ Game vs. Jazz

The Lakers saw something special in Knecht, selecting him with the 17th overall pick, a choice that LeBron James has publicly praised. “The 16 teams that passed on him must regret it. They screwed up,” said James, recognizing the rookie’s natural shooting ability and NBA-ready physique. Knecht, with his lean frame and smooth shooting stroke, has become an ideal complement to the Lakers’ existing stars, helping to space the floor and relieve some of the offensive pressure from LeBron and Davis.

His shooting prowess has already drawn comparisons to some of the Lakers’ greatest, with Knecht becoming only the fourth rookie in franchise history to make nine or more three-pointers in a game—joining legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron himself. As his coach JJ Redick put it, “He got hot quick. He has a heater in his hand.” And for the Lakers, that “heater” is exactly what they need to continue their strong start to the season.

As Knecht continues to impress, the Lakers are not just building around their established stars but also nurturing the growth of a young talent who might just be the future of the franchise. The 2024 draft pick is quickly becoming a household name, and the NBA is taking notice.