'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dalton Knecht had a terrific performance against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, dropping 35 points. This was the same amount that Anthony Davis collected to lead the LA Lakers to the 128-122 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns.
Once the game was over, LeBron James took to Instagram and shared a story to hype up the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, adding a four-word message to laud Knecht's incredible night.
"CANNON!!!!!!! That boy COLD!!!!" James captioned the post.
These remarks drew many reactions from fans, who jumped on Knecht's bandwagon and praised his 35-point outburst.
"Bron knows who Rookie of the Year is," one fan said.
"Dude still a huge steal, this is amazing 💛💜💛💜," another fan said.
One person took the chance to call out James for hyping up his kids before he struggled at the highest level.
"@KingJames Didn't you tweet that your son is better than these cats? and you delete em. tsk tsk tsk," one fan asked.
Others said that Knecht is the team's new 'white boy' and a good addition to the bench while showing Austin Reaves the exit door.
Besides the 35 points, Knecht added seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. He scored 18 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch 3-pointer against 7-foot-3 Bol Bol with a couple of seconds left on the clock. He shot 10-of-18 from the field and 8-of-13 from distance, closing out a remarkable night for a very promising shooter.
Dalton Knecht credits teammates for 35-point explosion against Suns
Once the game was over and the Lakers secured their second win of the preseason, Dalton Knecht had the chance to break down his performance. he explained what went through his mind when he was shooting the lights out against the Suns.
"I caught the hot hand and I was just playing basketball at the end of the day. I was just going out there shooting and my teammates were looking for me," he told reporter Mike Trudell.
The Lakers have something good on their hands with Dalton Knecht. If JJ Redick can continue to develop his game, this guy could make a huge impact on the Lakers for many years.
