Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets by the final score of 99-80 on Friday night to begin the Las Vegas Summer League for both teams.
The Lakers were led by their 2024 draft choices, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. As for the Rockets, 2024 No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard officially made his debut.
James started off strong in the first half, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds in 12 minutes on 40 percent shooting. Knecht found him in transition for a dunk during the first quarter.
NBA @NBA
Lakers’ draftees working together early 👀
Knecht finds Bronny on the cut for the 2-foot flush!
📺 HOU-LAL | Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/n3vHfvSYKz
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Rookies have the place hype 😎 pic.twitter.com/QiWZl7rxiU
The former USC guard wasn’t as effective after halftime, scoring just two points in the second half while connecting on just one of his nine attempts from the field.
Meanwhile, Knecht wrapped up an impressive all-around performance on Friday. The former Tennessee standout finished the game with a team-high 25 points on 9-18 shooting. Knecht also added six rebounds, four assists, and a block.
NBA @NBA
Dalton Knecht gets the one-legged fadeaway to fall!
Lakers’ rookie finished the 1H with 10 PTS / 4 REB / 4 AST 🔥
📺 #NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/LlSei3EXed
As the Rockets pulled away in the second half, Sheppard showed why he was the No. 3 overall choice. His three-point marksmanship that he displayed during his college days at Kentucky already appears to be translating to the next level, as he recorded 23 points while shooting 4-6 from behind the arc.
Sheppard connected on 52.9 percent of his field goals and dished out five assists, showing off his handles against Knecht in the third quarter.
NBA @NBA
Reed Sheppard NASTY handle work into the and-1 🤯
Rockets’ rookie is ROLLING in the 3Q on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/vKRZz0D2ie
While James struggled with his long-range accuracy, fans were still optimistic about his long-term outlook and remained patient with the No. 55 overall pick.
Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT @3cbPerformance
Bronny already looks night and day in game 3 vs game 1. IQ is a super power in terms of progression. A lot of people are going to look very dumb#Lakers
jerz @JerseyMade93
Bronny get slander but he has played well considering he played way less basketball than his competition in the past year and a half. He’s not just going against his peers but guys who have been pro’s for Years now too. Really corny how fast people are trying write him off, kid…
Witness King James @WITNESSKJ
These shot will eventually fall.
Bronny has the mechanics.
It’s just about confidence and reps.
A lot of development ahead.
Lakers Insiders @LALInsiders
Bronny is looking damn good out there 🔥
別名ジーロック @GeeRock120
I got faith in Bronny, bro just gotta put that work in
Fans were also excited about Knecht’s performance, praising his ability to score from all three levels and envisioning his fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Knecht continued his production in the 3rd Q even as HOU separated from LAL to lead 80-61.
Knecht has 16 points (6 of 13 FG’s) + 6 boards, 4 dimes, 1 block + 1 steal in 24 min.
His strengths should fit in well when surrounded by players like LeBron, AD, Reaves and Russell.
Lakers Nation @LakersNation
Dalton Knecht is having himself a half. Love to see it.
Ry @JustRyCole
I like Knecht, man.
Wizely 🫥🌙 @Wizelycook
Dalton Knecht stopped letting his nerves get the best of him and been cooking these past 2 games, he might get a triple dub tonight.
Justin Russo @FlyByKnite
As impressive as Reed Sheppard has been for Houston, No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht has been quite good offensively for the Lakers. Knecht has 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 22 minutes while making 5 of his 11 attempts.
Sheppard delivered several highlights and showcased his long-range accuracy, leaving fans amazed with his debut.
Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral
Reed Sheppard tonight:
23 Points
5 Assists
4 Rebounds
3 Blocks
1 Steal
53% FG
4/6 3PM pic.twitter.com/EBcaO33S5m
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Reed Sheppard is making one of the earliest “Too Good for Summer League” cases I’ve seen in a while. Goodness.
Kelly Iko @KellyIko
Reed Sheppard. The shooting is as advertised. My goodness.
ᵂᴵᴸᴸ @BiasedHouston
Reed Sheppard is a bucket.
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Solid day for the SEC here — Knecht and Sheppard have been exactly as advertised in this one.
The Lakers will continue their Las Vegas Summer League action against the Boston Celtics on Monday, with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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