SAN FRANCISCO — Dalton Knecht got his first taste of professional action in the NBA Summer League on Saturday, but the former Tennessee star and Lakers' 17th overall pick saw his share of struggles in his debut.
The Lakers fell to the Sacramento Kings 108-94 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, and despite a double-digit scoring effort from Knecht, he struggled to get in a groove.
The former All-American didn't score his first point until he converted on a free throw with 2:19 remaining in the first quarter, and didn't make his first field goal until he drained a corner three with 1:23 left in the second quarter.
Knecht finished strong with 12 points in the debut but did not have the most efficient day and shot 3-for-12 from the floor and went 5-of-9 at the free throw line. He also flashed some playmaking ability and picked up four assists along with two rebounds and two steals.
The Lakers return to action against the Golden State Warriors in a Summer League matchup on Sunday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. That matchup will feature Knecht against his former teammate and Warriors Summer League signee Santiago Vescovi.
