Lakers Summer League Highlights: Knecht Shines, Bronny Develops
Late last week, the Los Angeles Lakers transitioned from San Francisco to Las Vegas to continue their Summer League journey. After playing against Houston on Friday, they held a film session and practice on Sunday before facing off against Boston on Monday. Here’s a detailed account of their trip and the noteworthy performances that stood out.
Knecht Finds His Rhythm in Vegas
LA’s No. 17 overall pick, Dalton Knecht, had a challenging start in the California Classic, shooting just 4 for 15 overall (26.6%). This was partly due to the small sample size and the fact that he hadn’t played in a game for several months since shooting nearly 40% from distance at Tennessee. However, in the Vegas opener, Knecht found his groove, hitting 5 of 11 triples for a game-high 25 points against Houston.
Knecht’s Confidence
“They just fell,” said Knecht. “I always stay confident in my shot. I know my teammates and the coaching staff have my back, so no matter what, I’m going to let it fly.”
He continued his strong performance with 19 points against Boston, leading the Lakers in scoring again and converting 2 of 6 triples. Summer league coach Dane Johnson emphasized the team’s confidence in Knecht’s offensive capabilities while focusing on his defensive development.
Defensive Development
“From the Houston game to the last one, I thought he was more physical on his switches with guards. He’s trying to use his physicality and size effectively, especially since he’ll need to guard multiple positions in the NBA,” Johnson explained. “He’s improving, and we’ll keep working on that.”
JJ Redick, who has been closely monitoring Knecht, is excited to coach him with the main squad.
“He provides something unique—a movement shooter who can play off the bounce. He was highly rated on our draft board, and he can score at all three levels,” Redick said. “His size and skill set make him an exciting prospect.”
Indeed, with stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, or D’Angelo Russell drawing primary defenders, Knecht should find himself with better scoring opportunities.
Bronny James Shows Promise
The Lakers had two main objectives for Bronny James heading into Summer League: point-of-attack defense and aggressive offensive play.
Defensive Prowess
“I’ve always taken pride in defense, as it translates to better offensive looks,” Bronny noted.
His point-of-attack defense has been a highlight, often picking up opposing guards full court and limiting their drives. An early highlight against Boston was a big block in transition defense, which thrilled the crowd. His best defensive game came against Miami, where he recorded three blocks and two steals.
Offensive Aggression
“Rob Pelinka and I talked about Bronny being more aggressive in attacking the rim,” said Lakers VP of Basketball Operations. “He has shown the ability to space the floor, but we need downhill guards who can put pressure on the paint.”
Bronny showcased this ability in the first quarter against Houston, resulting in a layup, a dunk, and two free throws.
“I try to use my athleticism to my advantage. It opens up my shot, even if it hasn’t been falling. I’m getting more comfortable with the ball and guarding bigger players,” Bronny explained.
Shooting Struggles
Despite his defensive and offensive efforts, Bronny’s jumper has yet to find consistency. He missed all eight of his three-point attempts against Houston and went 0-for-3 against Boston.
“I always tell him to be aggressive. We’ll live with the threes he shot; he’ll make those moving forward with more reps,” Johnson encouraged.
Player Development Focus
Under the leadership of Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are committed to a holistic player development program. Redick elaborated on this during his initial press conference and at the introduction of Knecht and Bronny.
Holistic Approach
“Our player development program is holistic. It’s not just about ball handling, shooting, and passing but also tactical aspects like reads, incorporating film, and analytics,” Redick said. “We’re also focusing on nutrition, body care, weight room work, and mental development.”
Redick emphasized the importance of an open-minded approach and letting go of outcomes.
“Both Knecht and Bronny have a strong work ethic, which is a great starting point for developing into great NBA players,” he added.
While Redick’s vision will take time to fully evolve, players like Knecht and Bronny are excited to be part of the journey.
Armel Traore: A Rising Prospect
A standout performer for the Lakers in the Summer League has been two-way signee Armel Traore. The 6’8”, 210-pound Frenchman has showcased his strength, athleticism, and quickness, defending both inside and out.
Defensive Versatility
“Armel just plays extremely hard,” said Johnson. “He’s learning the NBA’s spacing and playing both the 4 and 5 positions for us. He’s versatile and can guard multiple positions.”
Traore played 33 games (28 starts) last year for ADA Blois of the LNB Élite in France, averaging 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in 25.5 minutes. Playing alongside Victor Wembanyama in 2022-23 was crucial for his defensive development.
Adapting to NBA Pace
“The pace is crazy compared to overseas,” Traore remarked.
Though not always a featured offensive player, his activity on the court causes problems for opponents. In limited minutes against Boston, he had two dunks, a block, a steal, and five rebounds, finishing with a +9 rating in a game the Lakers lost by 14.
At just 21, Traore’s growth will be exciting to watch, especially with the South Bay Lakers.
Blake Hinson: A Shooting Prospect
Blake Hinson, another two-way signee, had a strong start in the California Classic, hitting 5 of 7 three-pointers for 17 points in 18 minutes. However, his shooting cooled off until he hit two triples in the second half against Boston.
Shooting Consistency
“Blake can shoot the ball, as he showed in our first game in San Francisco. He hasn’t shot well since then, but he had a good practice today. It’s just about taking great shots instead of contested ones,” Johnson noted.
Hinson discussed the difference between college and the NBA in terms of finding open shots.
“In the NBA, it’s about being in the right spots. Better offense beats better defense. Getting in the right spots will get you good looks,” Hinson explained.
Defensive Versatility
Defensively, Hinson aims to guard multiple positions.
“I want to switch 1 through 5. That’s the vision the Lakers have for me, and I’m training to do that. I’m working on it and will get there,” he said.
Hinson is thrilled to be part of the Lakers organization.
“The only option was the Purple and Gold. Once I didn’t get drafted, this was the place I wanted to be,” he said.
Castleton and Lewis: Aiming for Growth
Maxwell Lewis, the 2023 second-round pick, and Colin Castleton, a two-way player re-signed for the 2023-24 season, are looking to make significant gains ahead of training camp.
Lewis’s Shooting Focus
The Lakers want Lewis to focus on quick shooting when open, rather than creating his own shot. He struggled with his three-point shooting in the California Classic but found his rhythm against Boston.
“Maxwell needs to get his shots up quickly. His development as a consistent shooter is crucial,” Johnson said.
Castleton’s Development
Colin Castleton had a solid performance in the G League last season, averaging 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. He continued this form in the Summer League, posting double-doubles and showcasing his rim-protecting abilities.
“It’ll be interesting to see if Castleton can incorporate a three-point shot into his game, potentially opening up stretch 5 possibilities,” Johnson added.
Upcoming Games
The Lakers (0-2 in Vegas) will continue their Summer League action with games against Atlanta and Cleveland. Depending on their record, they will have one final game over the weekend before returning to Los Angeles.
Potential Player Rotations
Some teams use the later games to give more minutes to players who haven’t seen much action. This could include Mohamed Diarra, Kyle Mangas, Grayson Murphy, Joirdon Nicholas, Quincy Olivari, and Vincent Valerio-Bodon.
FAQs
What are the Lakers’ main objectives for Bronny James in the Summer League?
The Lakers aim to develop Bronny James’ point-of-attack defense and his ability to attack downhill on offense.
How has Dalton Knecht performed in the Summer League?
Dalton Knecht has shown improvement in his shooting, scoring 25 points against Houston and 19 points against Boston. He has also been focusing on his defensive development.
What is JJ Redick’s vision for the Lakers’ player development program?
JJ Redick envisions a holistic player development program that includes ball handling, shooting, passing, tactical aspects, nutrition, body care, and mental development.
Who is Armel Traore, and why is he a standout performer?
Armel Traore is a 6’8” Frenchman signed on a two-way contract. He has shown versatility in defense and strong athleticism, making significant contributions in the Summer League.
What are Blake Hinson’s strengths and areas for improvement?
Blake Hinson is a strong shooter who needs to focus on taking better shots. Defensively, he aims to guard multiple positions, switching from 1 through 5.
What are the Lakers’ upcoming Summer League games?
The Lakers will face Atlanta and Cleveland next in the Summer League. Depending on their record, they will play one final game over the weekend.
Conclusion
The Lakers’ Summer League journey has been filled with promising performances and areas for improvement. Dalton Knecht has found his rhythm, Bronny James is showing defensive prowess, and players like Armel Traore and Blake Hinson are making significant strides. With a focus on holistic player development under JJ Redick, the Lakers are poised for growth. The upcoming games will provide further opportunities to evaluate and develop their young talent.
