Dalton Knecht Stats Tonight: Lakers rookie endures another cold outing in game against Rockets (Jan. 5)

LA Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht's woes continued in the first half of Sunday's clash against the Houston Rockets. The No. 17 pick didn't significantly impact the box score, as the Lakers trailed by 22 points at one point. Knecht entered the game in the second quarter and played nine minutes with the Lakers, hoping to get something out of his ability to get hot from deep.

However, the offense struggled to get him open looks or free on the perimeter. Knecht's only two attempts were heavily contested, and he missed both. The Tennessee prospect finished the first half with 9:18 minutes on the floor, missing two field goals, including one from 3. Knecht was scoreless and didn't contribute to any other major statistic. He was a +/- -1.

Knecht didn't impact the game in the second half, either. He also saw his minutes decrease slightly, as he played only six minutes. The rookie had a forgettable game, as he only added one rebound to his box score. He missed three shots, including two from 3, and was a +/- -3.

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The Lakers need more from Dalton Knecht

The Lakers' offense was a hit when Dalton Knecht was on fire. However, since December, he's not had any rhythm. Over 16 games in that span, Knecht has shot just 40.2%, including 18.5% from 3. He is averaging 6.8 points despite playing 20.2 minutes a game.

JJ Redick placed faith in Knecht on Sunday, too. He gave him an extended run in the second quarter after the Lakers fell behind by 22 points. Redick wanted the offense to get the team back into it, and Knecht was key to that. However, the out-of-form rookie wasn't impacting the game as expected.

He missed his only two chances and didn't provide the burst required when he had the ball in his hands. With Knecht lacking confidence and rhythm, it has been tough for Redick to draw up plays for the first-round pick as he did earlier in the season.

The Lakers' offense has also changed a lot since December, which is more stagnant compared to the mobile style Redick used prior to that. Knecht must adapt to it, or he might lose his spot, as he's not that impactful as a defender, either.