Bronny James, Dalton Knecht Thrill NBA Fans in Lakers Preseason Debuts vs. Wolves

Los Angeles Lakers rookies Bronny James and Dalton Knecht made their preseason debuts on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Palm Desert, California's Acrisure Arena.

James, the son of Lakers star LeBron James, particularly impressed on the defensive end, like when he got a block that eventually led to his assist on a Rui Hachimura bucket.

The 19-year-old notched two blocks and one assist in six minutes on the court in the first half.

Knecht looked good offensively, knocking down this mid-range jumper for his first two points. He finished the first half with six points, one steal and one block in six minutes.

In all, Knecht finished with 16 points off the bench on 7-of-13 shooting in 25 minutes of action while adding three rebounds, two assists a steal and a block, though he also had a game-high five turnovers. James posted two points on 1-of-6 shooting, a rebound, an assist and a game-high three blocks in 16 minutes.

The Lakers went on to lose 124-107. Timberwolves rookie Rob Dillingham impressed with 21 points and four assists in 25 minutes off the bench.

It's still very early, of course, but both Lakers rookies showed some good signs that excited fans.

The Lakers' next preseason matchup will be Sunday against the Phoenix Suns at 9:30 p.m. ET to round out a two-game stretch at Acrisure Arena.