Luka Doncic calls one Lakers player 'a promising rookie'

The Los Angeles Lakers may be starting to get back into the swing of things after suffering four losses in a row. They defeated the Phoenix Suns on Sunday and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, and their defense seems to be returning to form after two ugly performances late last week.

Offensively, the Lakers may be just starting to tap into their vast potential. In particular, rookie Dalton Knecht has been showing some spark after a couple of prolonged slumps this season. In his last 10 games, he has averaged 13.7 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range.

He exploded for 32 points this past Friday against the Denver Nuggets, and he delivered 10 first-half points on some hot shooting on Monday. Luka Doncic has certainly noticed how well Knecht has been playing.

"I mean, he had a great game," Doncic told reporters postgame. "He’s had a lot of big games. He’s learning how to play, I’m learning how to play with him, and he’s a promising rookie for sure."

“He’s a promising rookie for sure”

Luka on playing with Dalton pic.twitter.com/o89BEVnwst
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) March 18, 2025

Knecht was included in last month's attempted trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams that was rescinded when Williams failed his physical. It may have been a blessing in disguise, given the rookie sharpshooter's improved play of late and L.A.'s need for more 3-point snipers moving forward.

He put up 21.7 points a game last season at the University of Tennessee and was named the SEC Player of the Year while helping the Volunteers reach the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic calls one Lakers player 'a promising rookie'

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