at the same time, it was a good learning lesson. Got to learn from a lot of good people. It was a dream come true just playing and being in the NBA.”

Knecht’s dream involved a variety of twists and turns.

He was in the team’s Day One rotation, initially as a reserve before temporarily being placed into the starting lineup in mid-November, leading to his best stretch of play: 14.2 points per game (47.9% shooting, 40% from 3-point range) and 5.0 rebounds over 13 games.

This included scoring a career-high 37 points in a Nov. 19 victory over the Utah Jazz, tying an NBA rookie record by making nine 3-point shots on 12 attempts.

Adversity arose for Knecht when his playing time decreased, especially in January, before being included in the trade package for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. The deal was rescinded by the Lakers a few days later after Williams failed the team’s physical, resulting in Knecht rejoining the team. His playing time didn’t come as consistently once he rejoined the Lakers, and he was out of the main rotation by the end of the season.

Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 made 3s (37.6%) in 78 games as a rookie.

“After the season we had a talk and stuff like that,” Knecht said of his conversations with Lakers coach JJ Redick since the season ended. “And we’ve been doing a workout. We’ve got lunch and stuff. Just talking and getting to know each other more and then being able to communicate with each other.

“That’s the most important thing. Then, obviously, JJ is a great shooter and we’ve just been doing shooting drills and stuff like that. It’s good just getting to the gym with your head coach. Learn from him, because he’s a great shooter as well.”

Knecht will play for the Lakers’ summer league team for the second consecutive season alongside a squad that’s expected to feature fellow 2024 draftee Bronny James, 2025 second-round pick Adou Thiero and former Villanova star Eric Dixon, who recently signed a two-way contract with the Lakers.

“Just showing what I can do,” Knecht said of summer league. “Feel like I kind of showed a little bit throughout my rookie year, but just keep building on top of that.”