It's a story of a player's journey from a scoring drought to NBA stardom. Last year around the same time, Dalton Knecht was stuck in a harsh slump during his time with Tennessee. The talented athlete struggled with his shots, going two for seven against Georgia State, and similar misses against North Carolina State and Tarleton State. However, his fate took a turn when Austin Reaves, his future Lakers teammate, sent a supportive message. That simple gesture encouraged Knecht and planted the seeds of belief that he could make it big.

Knecht's tough times transformed into triumphs. In his first NBA season with the Lakers, he has shown exceptional skills, especially with his jump shots. His recent 37-point game, where he made nine 3-pointers, is one of the incredible highlights. This performance earned him comparisons to legendary players like Michael Jordan, whom he celebrated with a signature shoulder shrug. Reaves, who watched him in college, knows that when Knecht gets going, there's no stopping him.

The Lakers seem to have struck gold with Knecht. He's the shooter they've been searching for to complement big names like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While past shooters haven't lived up to expectations, Knecht is showing promise. His ability to draw defenses out is invaluable. Davis points out that with shooters like Knecht, the game becomes easier for the Lakers duo, creating more one-on-one opportunities.

Coach J. J. Redick is enthusiastically incorporating Knecht into the team's plays. Despite the anticipated return of forward Rui Hachimura from injury, Knecht has earned his spot. His recent performances have been outstanding, averaging 24. 3 points over the last four games. The Lakers are committed to giving him more chances, showing that their faith in him is well-placed.

This story highlights the importance of support and self-belief in an athlete's journey. From a grueling slump to lighting up the NBA, Knecht's success is a testament to resilience and team encouragement. His story underscores that believing in one's abilities can turn a struggling player into a star.

Shooting Star: How Dalton Knecht is Lighting Up the NBA

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