Gabe Vincent feels Dalton Knecht has ‘improved immensely’ over last 10 games

After a big performance by Dalton Knecht in the Lakers’ win on Sunday, Gabe Vincent praised the rookies recent play

With key players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out, the Lakers needed a coalition of the willing to defeat the Clippers on Sunday.

Los Angeles accomplished their objective, earning their sixth straight win thanks to the role players like Trey Jemison and Dalton Knecht stepping up and delivering good performances against their in-town rival.

While Jemision made his impact by being a defensive irritant, Knecht was an offensive one. He scored 19 points on 70% shooting.

Knecht made five 3-pointers, tied with Luka Dončić for the most on the team and the Lakers needed each one considering they won by just six points.

After the game, fellow bench mob member Gabe Vincent discussed how he’s seen Knecht up his game since returning from the rescinded trade.

“It’s been small things for me with Dalton that he’s been improving on a lot,” Vincent said. Whether it’s talking on defense or the switches, I think he’s improved immensely in the last five to 10 games in those. It’s great to see him get hot and get out there and get the rhythm shooting from three like we know he can. So, it’s great to see him have some growth. It’s great to see him get rewarded with a good offensive game amidst the growth.”

Sunday was a great example of what happens when Knecht gets going with his jumper. However, as Vincent has pointed out, the defensive details will keep him on the floor.

Knecht may never be elite on the other side of the ball, but he just has to be good enough to stay on the court. That means not getting confused and lost as much and staying on his assignments.

Vincent certainly feels like Knecht has taken steps in that regard and coach JJ Redick has also praised him for his recent play. After L.A.’s other win over the Clippers, he credited Knecht for staying ready despite being told he would likely be out of the lineup.

He ended up playing anyway and performed well during his 18 minutes on the court.

The Lakers already have three elite on-ball offensive threats. All they need from rookie Knecht is to make his wide-open shots, not be picked on defensively and just make smart basketball plays.

More of this from him and he’ll stay in the rotation and have the occasional game where he takes a larger load when certainly players are unavailable. This recent sample size proves he can do it. Now it just needs to happen consistently.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.