LA Lakers youngster did more in three minutes on playoff debut than one teammate did in 32, JJ Redick knows his value

The Los Angeles Lakers are searching for solutions heading into Sport 2 in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A flat exhibiting from the LA Lakers noticed them start the NBA Playoffs with a defeat at residence to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers fell to a 22-point margin defeat, with Luka Doncic the one participant who might maintain his head excessive, with 37 factors, however even then, he managed an unusually low one help.

Minnesota’s robust efficiency was tied into their robust bench, with Naz Reid scoring 23 and Donte DiVincenzo including 9.

The Lakers bench had no affect in any respect – and that is one space the group want to repair.

The dearth of affect on from LA Lakers supporting solid was summed up by a late affect made by rookie Dalton Knecht.

Making his NBA Playoffs debut, Dalton Knecht was solely given the chance to play three minutes of Sport 1.

In Dalton Knecht’s three minutes, he scored 5 factors and managed three rebounds.

Sure, this might need are available in ‘rubbish time’ on the finish of the match-up, but it was greater than any non-Lakers starter managed to provide, and greater than one of many line-up, with Jaxson Hayes scoring just one level.

Dorian Finney-Smith scored solely three factors in 32 minutes, Gabe Vincent scored simply three factors in 25, and Jarred Vanderbilt two factors in 14 minutes.

Finney-Smith is normally a dependable contributor however his complete statline was 3-2-3, and Vincent 3-0-1.

Knecht’s scoring highlighted their inefficiency, and his bravery to get pictures up and attempt to make his presence felt.

LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick is aware of Dalton Knecht may very well be his secret weapon within the playoffs.

He spoke forward of the collection to say that Knecht might win his group ‘a number of’ playoff video games.

Redick was clearly hoping to make use of Knecht as an added wrinkle to complicate a collection for an opponent afterward. However given the best way his gamers have been so flat in Sport 1, he might need to show to him in Sport 2.

With the Lakers searching for solutions after an offensively flat exhibiting, Dalton Knecht affords a daring answer if Redick is courageous sufficient.