The Los Angeles Lakers extended their losing streak to four in a 131-126 road loss Friday night to their Western Conference rival Denver Nuggets. Rookie Dalton Knecht achieved the second-highest scoring mark of his young career with 32 points on 48% shooting with five three-pointers made.
Saying the Lakers were depleted going into this game may be an understatement, as 78.9% of Los Angeles’ $191.1 million payroll was injured against the Nuggets (via HoopsHype). However, this allowed for greater opportunity for other players like Bronny James to see minutes against a top contender in the NBA. James recorded his career-high in minutes played Friday night with 16.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9).
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Postgame, James had some strong compliments towards fellow rookie Knecht after a stellar performance.
“I’m just so proud of him, seeing his growth as a basketball player and as a person,” said James. “That’s my guy. We have a good relationship off and on the court, so [I’m] looking forward to seeing him grow.”
Through different roster transactions as well as shifts in rotations, Knecht has had many different roles with this Lakers squad averaging 20.6 minutes per game. The No. 17 pick out of Tennesse has proven throughout this season that he can shine when given the opportunity.
In the 10 games this season where Knecht has played at least 30 minutes, he averages 21.5 points per game on 52.6% shooting; the current leader for points per game as a rookie is Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs with 13.6.
Amid the losing streak, Los Angeles has dropped to the fifth seed in the Western Conference with 17 games remaining in the regular season. The Lakers still sit just 2 games back of the Nuggets for the second seed, so when the majority of the rotation returns from injury, LA will need to push to climb as high as they can before the playoffs begin.