New head coach JJ Redick has stated that he desires to implement a nine-man rotation for the Lakers through the 2024-25 season. Nonetheless, this plan may be overly bold in at the moment’s NBA, the place most groups use 10 and even 11 gamers for normal minutes.
Complicating issues, L.A.’s lineup consists of LeBron James, the league’s oldest veteran, who will seemingly want his taking part in time diminished to remain contemporary for a playoff run. Moreover, with key contributors Jared Vanderbilt and Christian Wooden sidelined, a chance has emerged for rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James to doubtlessly earn a spot within the opening-day rotation.
Dalton Knecht
Within the Lakers’ first two preseason video games, Knecht has develop into a worthwhile asset, logging extra minutes than some other reserve participant besides Max Christie. Knecht has showcased superior shot-making abilities, scoring from all ranges of the courtroom. He’s constantly knocked down three-pointers off screens, and operated effectively out of the pick-and-roll, popping from midrange or attacking the rim. Knecht’s even been featured on the baseline within the dunkers spot the place he’s thrown it down a few occasions off two toes. Regardless of a 3-of-9 taking pictures efficiency in opposition to the Suns on Sunday, Knecht is averaging 11.5 factors per sport this preseason, tied with Christie for the workforce lead in scoring amongst bench gamers.
On protection, Knecht has struggled at occasions, notably when guarding stronger wings driving into the paint. Missing the upper-body energy of extra skilled NBA gamers, he might be overpowered when opponents decrease their shoulder and run by him towards the ring. Nonetheless, he has demonstrated a strong grasp of Redick’s defensive scheme, usually switching onto perimeter shooters with ease.
The Lakers normally don’t rely closely on rookies, however at 23, Knecht isn’t your typical first-year participant. Except for D’Angelo Russell, he might already be the team’s most reliable shooter. In a league the place shot-making usually takes priority over lockdown protection, Knecht has an actual likelihood to earn 12 to fifteen minutes off the bench to begin the season — a minimum of till Vanderbilt returns.
Bronny James
James’ preseason has unfolded fairly otherwise from fellow rookie Knecht’s. Whereas he had a number of lapses in opposition to the Suns, James has constantly exhibited spectacular defensive instincts, often leaping passing lanes, slicing off drives to the rim, and contesting outdoors pictures. At simply 6-foot-2, James is tied with heart Jaxon Hayes for probably the most blocks on the Lakers through the preseason, with three, displaying his versatility on the much less glamorous finish.
On offense, nevertheless, James has struggled considerably. After connecting on solely 15.8% from past the arc and 35.0% total through the Summer League in opposition to fellow rookies and fringe gamers attempting to make the backend of a roster, he has continued to underperform within the Lakers’ two preseason video games, going 1-of-7 from the field. Dealing with actual defenders from the Timberwolves and Suns, he usually seemed outmatched. James lacks NBA-level ball-handling abilities, hindering his capability to drive previous opposing gamers or create separation, resulting in compelled, off-balance pictures. His three-point stroke has been notably regarding. His catch-and-shoot mechanics are strong, however the outcomes haven’t been there. James has appeared tense and infrequently misses badly.
It’s not hyperbole to say that James may need probably the most restricted offensive sport within the league proper now. In comparison with different established defensive specialists like Matisse Thybulle or Davion Mitchell, his scoring capability lags far behind. Whereas James is well-liked by his teammates and is named one of many hardest staff on the Lakers, his offensive struggles make it extremely unlikely for him to earn a spot within the rotation this season.
This places Redick in a difficult place: He desires to take care of concord with LeBron, the workforce’s clear chief, but when he continues to offer Bronny extra preseason minutes than Gabe Vincent or Cam Reddish — two gamers who’re NBA-ready — it dangers creating the notion of preferential remedy.
