By Mathieu S. | NBA Editor
The season is still long for the Lakers, but we must recognize that their start to the campaign is successful for the moment. There are good things in the image of their rookie, but the franchise will soon have to decide. What makes people unhappy?
With 9 victories and 4 defeats, the Lakers are off to a great start to the season, led by Anthony Davis in MVP mode. We could logically ask ourselves some questions about the former Pelican at the dawn of this recovery, in order to know whether or not he would assume his status. For now, the answer is clearly positive.
The competition is tough but Davis positions himself as one of the first favorites for an MVP title next April. Everything can happen very quickly and it is not definitive, however, it allows us to better understand what he has achieved so far. But he is not the only one to bring happiness to the organization NBAlike Dalton Knecht.
The Lakers will have to decide
With his 27 points this weekend, Knecht confirms that he is a very special rookie, who inexplicably fell to 17th place in the last draft. The Angelinos took the opportunity to choose him and it goes without saying that the front office has no regrets. However, the franchise may have to make a choice in the days to come.
Rui Hachimura absent, Knecht took his place and we can say that he did a very good job. His shooting is definitely a good thing for his team, even if his defense is a real problem in certain sequences, to the point where attacks target him. So should we send him back to the bench? Journalist Antonio Daniels thinks we will have to make a choice.
Antonio Daniels : “JJ Redick will have a decision to make when Rui Hachimura returns. He’s a better defender, more prepared, stronger, more powerful… But Dalton Knecht brings this team what it needs. Someone to do some spacing on the floor. »
With his shot, Knecht is a real threat and that leaves more freedom for other players, like LeBron or Davis. We were able to see it against the Pelicans this weekend, since the rookie was essential in his team’s victory. Redick obviously appreciates it, especially as a shooter, but he will have to manage Rui’s return as best as possible, even if it means annoying some.
The Lakers clearly have a choice to make, especially with the high level of play shown by Dalton Knecht in recent meetings. Rui Hachimura could pay the price, even if it’s up to JJ Redick to decide.
