Lakers Dynamic Duo: Austin Reaves Takes Rookie Dalton Knecht Under His Wing
Austin Reaves and rookie sensation Dalton Knecht are proving to be formidable partners for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their chemistry extends beyond the basketball court, and their partnership has become one of the most exciting developments in the Lakers’ 2024-25 season.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Reaves, now a key player for the Lakers, has been putting up impressive stats this season:
- 17.9 points per game (51st in NBA)
- 5.4 assists per game (33rd in NBA)
- 36.7% three-point shooting percentage
- 2.9 three-pointers made per game (20th in NBA)
But it’s his mentorship of Knecht that’s making headlines. The rookie has exploded onto the NBA scene, recently tying a rookie record with nine three-pointers in a single game during his 37-point performance.
Their on-court chemistry is evident in their outstanding 7.9 net rating when playing together over the past four games – the best of any Lakers duo with at least 60 minutes of shared court time.
“Austin texted me throughout my time in Tennessee,” Knecht reveals. “Having him there means I can ask him any question, and he’s always there to help me. We shoot together after practice every single day.”
The mentor-mentee relationship began before Knecht joined the Lakers. Reaves, who played college basketball at Oklahoma alongside NBA stars like Buddy Hield (now with the Golden State Warriors) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), saw potential in Knecht early on.
“If you watched him in college, you know what he’s capable of,” Reaves says. “When he sees a couple of his first 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.”
Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star big man, has also noticed Knecht’s impact. “He’s more of a veteran player than many rookies because of his extended college career,” Davis notes. “His confidence is very high, even coming to camp and Summer League. He’s been phenomenal.”
The numbers back up Davis’s assessment. Knecht is shooting an incredible 46.4% from three-point range this season, and over the last four games, he’s been even better, hitting an astounding 67.7% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Fans can catch the dynamic duo when the Lakers face the Orlando Magic on November 21, 2024, at 10:30 PM on FanDuel Sports Network. The game promises to showcase this emerging partnership, taking the NBA by storm.
As the Lakers continue their campaign, the connection between Reaves and Knecht appears to be a crucial factor in the team’s success. Their shared work ethic, complementary playing styles, and solid bond off the court have created a partnership that could be vital for the Lakers’ future.
“He’s got an excellent mindset for how he plays the game,” Reaves concludes. “He could have nights like tonight, get unconscious, and win us games. That’s kind of what I expect him to do.”
With Reaves’s guidance and Knecht’s rapid development, Lakers fans have every reason to be excited about this budding partnership, which is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the NBA season.