LeBron James noted that Knecht wasn’t simply discovered by the team, but rather that it was the other 16 teams that “made a mistake” by not drafting him sooner. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Knecht had a standout college season as an All-American at the University of Tennessee before being selected with the 17th pick.
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During the game, Knecht scored 21 points in the final 3:29 of the third quarter, extending the Lakers’ lead from 11 to 22 points against the Jazz. He hit four consecutive 3-pointers, the first three assisted by D’Angelo Russell, increasing the energy of the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena. In a highlight, Knecht also managed to draw a foul from Cody Williams beyond the three-point line, earning three free throws that he made, and capped the fourth with another Russell-assisted 3-pointer.
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Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Knecht’s bravery and skill, noting his ability to energize the team. Knecht tied the rookie record shared with Keyonte George, Yogi Ferrell and Rodrigue Beaubois for most three-pointers made in a single game. Mimicking a famous Michael Jordan gesture, Knecht shrugged his shoulders in celebration of his success, an iconic moment on par with his performance. Knecht thus joined an exclusive group of Lakers players, including Russell, James and Kobe Bryant, by making at least nine three-pointers in a single game.
With the victory, the Lakers extended their winning streak to six games and improved their record to 2-0 in the NBA Cup group stage. Since taking over as the starter due to an ankle injury to Rui Hachimura, Knecht has averaged 26 points with 63.6% success on field goals and 61.5% on triples. Teammates like Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves have expressed confidence in his ability to repeat these types of performances in the future.
How has Zeke Knecht’s breakout performance changed the expectations for the Lakers this season, and what are the key areas for his continued development moving forward?
As the website editor for world-today-news.com, I would love to conduct an interview with LeBron James and Coach JJ Redick about their impressive victories against the Utah Jazz and the breakout performance of rookie sensation Zeke Knecht.
LeBron, can you share your thoughts on discovering Zeke Knecht and his impact on the Lakers? How does it feel to have such a talented young player on the team, and how do you think his performance will evolve as he gains more experience?
Coach Redick, please discuss your approach to developing Zeke Knecht’s game. His recent success is nothing short of remarkable, but how have you helped him harness his skills and confidence to be such a dominant force on the court?
LeBron, what was going through your mind when you saw Zeke’s incredible performance in the game against the Jazz? Is there anything specific you did to encourage him or motivate him during that crucial moment?
Coach Redick, as a former player yourself, do you find it challenging to balance coaching and mentoring a young player like Zeke while also managing the expectations of experienced veterans like LeBron and Anthony Davis? How do you ensure that all players are bought into your system and working towards the same goal?
LeBron, what are your overall thoughts on the Lakers’ performance this season, especially after losing key players like Anthony Davis to injury? Do you see any areas where the team needs to improve or adjust, or are you satisfied with their current trajectory?
Coach Redick, can you describe what sets Zeke apart from other players at his position? What makes him unique in today’s NBA landscape?
LeBron, as a veteran player, how does it feel to mentor and guide younger players like Zeke? What advice would you give him as he navigates the demanding world of professional sports and builds his legacy?
Coach Redick, do you see any similarities between Zeke’s game and that of other great shooters from the past or present? How does his skillset fit into the team dynamic, and how do you plan on utilizing it in future matches?
Zeke, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the game against the Jazz and your mindset during those piv
