Hot Takes on Lakers' Dalton Knecht, RJ Davis vs. Warriors with Bronny James Out
The Los Angeles Lakers opened the team's 2025 California Classic Summer League action with a 89-84 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
Dalton Knecht suited up for the Lakers as he prepares for his second season in the NBA, while former North Carolina standout RJ Davis also participated after signing an Exhibit 10 contract with Los Angeles following the 2025 NBA draft.
Bronny James didn't play in Saturday's contest, but is expected to make an appearance once the Lakers continue their summer action in Las Vegas.
Here's a closer look at how Knecht and Davis fared on Saturday.
Dalton Knecht
Knecht was able to carve out a role in Los Angeles' rotation as a rookie due to his perimeter shooting, but couldn't find any rhythm from behind the arc against Golden State.
He finished with 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting, missing all six of his attempts from three-point territory. Knecht also recorded four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
While a single poor shooting night shouldn't cause too much concern, fans weren't pleased with his effort on both ends of the floor.
RJ Davis
Davis also struggled offensively, finishing with two points and shooting 1-of-7 from the field in 13 minutes on the floor. He pulled down one rebound to go along with one assist.
While Davis' inconsistent shooting was understandable given his limited playing time and status as an undrafted rookie, it was still surprising after he averaged 19.2 points per game over his final two years with the Tar Heels.
Fans reacted to his performance.
The Lakers will be back in action against the Miami Heat on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
