Dalton Knecht stats tonight: How did Lakers rookie fare in LeBron James’ return? (Dec. 15)

Dalton Knecht and the LA Lakers received a major boost on Sunday when LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing two games, helping to secure a 116-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Knecht came off the bench for the second game in a row after starting in seven consecutive contests.

James' presence appeared to reinvigorate the Lakers' defense, as they held Memphis to its lowest points in any quarter this season, limiting the Grizzlies to just 20 points in the first 12 minutes.

At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 30-20, with Memphis shooting just 5-for-20 (25%).

In the second quarter, the Lakers extended their lead, outscoring Memphis by eight, 34-26. Knecht contributed five points and two rebounds in the first half, with Anthony Davis leading the charge with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies in scoring at halftime with 16 points, while Ja Morant was held to just seven points on eight shots.

The Grizzlies came alive in the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers 31-22. Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, Memphis could not catch up, falling 116-110.

Davis finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds, while James contributed 18 points, eight assists and eight rebounds in his return. Knecht did not score in the second half.

Below are Dalton Knecht's stats.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Dalton Knecht	12:46	5	3	0	2	4	50.0	0	2	0.0	1	2	50.0	0	3	0	0	2	1	-2

Rob Pelinka says the Lakers had been searching for a player like Dalton Knecht

Dalton Knecht is regarded as the Lakers’ most impactful offseason addition following the arrival of their revamped coaching staff, led by JJ Redick.

Knecht, who played college basketball at Northern Colorado and Tennessee, wrapped up his final season with the Volunteers averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His standout performance earned him consensus first-team All-American honors, and he was selected 17th in the 2024 NBA draft.

Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka highlighted that the front office had been searching for a player with Knecht’s specific skill set as a movement shooter.

"We, as a front office, have sort of chased in theory the exact player he is, a movement shooter," Pelinka told ESPN.

"And then not only is he a movement shooter, but a movement shooter with athleticism, which is a really unique combination."

Knecht has quickly made his mark as one of the top-scoring rookies in the league, averaging 10.8 ppg on 46.8% shooting, including an impressive 38.2% from beyond the arc.