Lakers fans want Dalton Knecht in rotation, discuss Bronny's future in matchup against Suns | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 17: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the preseason NBA game at the Footprint Center on October 17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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As the Los Angeles Lakers near the end of the preseason and the start of the regular season, fans have gotten a good look at two key rookies.

Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' first-round pick, has quickly emerged as a player capable of getting regular minutes. His best game of the preseason came on Tuesday when he scored 19 points, most of them in the fourth quarter when he was really coming into his own.

On Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, Knecht had five points in the first half.

Because of his impressive performance, Lakers fans are clamoring to add him to the rotation early this season.

krishow 💜💛 @WakeUpKriish

Can easily root for Dalton Knecht, the real ballplayer. The Lakers needed this guy along with Reaves for perimeter scoring.

MoeHoops @MoeHoops13

Knecht was really a good choice by the Lakers. He will be part of the Lakers' rotation

Prime @mioharusan

Dalton Knecht has the athleticism to be a decent defender and it's already shown in the preseason. Very different. to his summer league stay.

iTalkLakers @CanWeTalkLakers

Christie just wasn't aggressive enough. Knecht will eat up his minutes after about 10 games.

lazy @moisesxlove

Knecht has a much higher ceiling than we realize that he could be an All-Star in a few years of his low-key career

Grip it tightly @fwflacko

Knecht will get one or two posters this year

Joshua Andrew Smith @JasmithActor

Yes… Dalton Knecht will soon be a problem…#Lakers #NBAPreseason

While Knecht has been impressive, the Lakers' other rookie, Bronny James, hasn't shown all that much. The first time James faced NBA talent, he failed to find his opportunity despite getting far less playing time than Knecht.

In his limited minutes, James has shown that he will likely need some time to develop before being inserted into the Lakers' rotation.

Seth Dawkins @SethDawkins3

Take Bronny to the G League and keep him there forever.

Kareem @Kareem_is_it

Bronny might be better than JHS

Netschip20xx @netschip2022

Watch as Bronny doesn't play at all because this game is being televised nationally. He is a G League project player. You can't hide that on the pitch

After the season Knecht had at Tennessee last year, it's no big surprise that he's playing well early on. He didn't have as much hype as some lottery picks, but he's quickly showing that he could be the steal of the draft.

As for James, it's clear he'll need some time to improve, and that could mean spending most of his first season in the G League.

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