Bronny James, Dalton Knecht Excite NBA Fans in Lakers Preseason Debuts vs. Wolves
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 5, 2024
Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers rookies Bronny James and Dalton Knecht made their preseason debuts on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Palm Desert, California’s Acrisure Arena.
James, the son of Lakers star LeBron James, particularly impressed on the defensive end, like when he got a block that eventually led to his assist on a Rui Hachimura bucket.
The 19-year-old notched two blocks and one assist in six minutes on the court in the first half.
NBA @NBABronny James doing it on both ends 💪
The block leads to the assist to Rui for 3!
📺 MIN-LAL #NBAPreseason on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/GMnSYWm2b3
Knecht looked good offensively, knocking down this mid-range jumper for his first two points. He finished the first half with six points, one steal and one block in six minutes.
NBA TV @NBATVKnecht with the smooth middy for his first points on the @Lakers squad 🤩#NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/W81WaEkP1M
In all, Knecht finished with 16 points off the bench on 7-of-13 shooting in 25 minutes of action while adding three rebounds, two assists a steal and a block, though he also had a game-high five turnovers. James posted two points on 1-of-6 shooting, a rebound, an assist and a game-high three blocks in 16 minutes.
The Lakers went on to lose 124-107. Timberwolves rookie Rob Dillingham impressed with 21 points and four assists in 25 minutes off the bench.
It’s still very early, of course, but both Lakers rookies showed some good signs that excited fans.
Troy Dorsey™ @CoachTDorseyIf you still don’t see pro in Bronny’s game I just don’t know. Simple highlight for preseason but dating back to college..
matt @MattyGrizzBronny looks special
LAKESHOW4LIFE 0-0 💜💛💜💛 @WESTBROOK_FAN1Bronny looking nice on Defense, Dalton + Max on offense.
Coach Jay @JaySpann24Bronny gonna make a couple all defensive teams in his career
Alz600 @_alblackibronny james on the defensive end is smth else🔥🔥🔥🔥
SmallwoodWorldwide @SmallwoodWWideBronny defense is going to make an impact!
Jamal Cristopher @JamCristopherIt’s obvious to me dalton knecht is gonna have a real chance to break into the lakers rotation.
Rush @DarkKnight_3Dalton Knecht gotta be in the Lakers rotation
Prisareetski @prisareetskiiKnecht is going to fit so well with this team
Colb @___Colb___Christie and Knecht can, and should, play real minutes for the Lakers.
Daman Rangoola @damanrReally liking everything we’re seeing from Dalton Knecht
Stone Hansen @report_courtI think it would be a mistake to not have Knecht as one of the 9 rotation players for the Lakers out of the gate
The Lakers’ next preseason matchup will be Sunday against the Phoenix Suns at 9:30 p.m. ET to round out a two-game stretch at Acrisure Arena.
