What happens when your big NBA Summer League debut goes flat? If you’re Dalton Knecht, you don’t run from it, and you say it straight. “I didn’t get going at all actually,” said the Lakers’ No. 17 pick after his rocky Summer League opener against the Golden State Warriors. Not exactly the explosive start fans were hoping for, but to his credit, Knecht didn’t hide behind excuses.

“It took a while for me to get going… I just gotta come out ready to play better tomorrow, more confidence, shake off the rust,” he told Lakers Nation’s Matthew Peralta. Still, he shouted out to his teammates for their hustle: “I’m proud of my teammates, and they did great.” And yes, if you’re wondering, he confirmed he’ll suit up for Game 2. Still, while Knecht was out there logging minutes and learning the hard way, one headline name stayed chilling in street clothes.

Enter, Bronny James. King James’ son was courtside in street clothes, not even warming up, with zero explanation from the Lakers. No injury updates or press releases. Just… vibes and speculation. Is he sitting out the entire California Classic? Is he being rested for Las Vegas? Or is there an underlying injury? What if this is just the calm before the Bronny storm? For now, the silence is louder than any Stephen A. Smith’s insane takes. Because the thing is, Summer League, more than anything, is about messaging. And Knecht is walking a tightrope right now.

In terms of stats, Dalton Knecht and Darius Bazley delivered balanced efforts for the Lakers in their Summer League opener, each putting up 10 points and contributing across the board—Knecht adding four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Bazley led the bench with three blocks and matching boards. On the other end, Jackson Rowe stood out for the Warriors (1-0), stuffing the stat sheet with 13 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds, and defensive presence with two steals and two blocks. The silver lining, though?

He still showed flashes of movement and spacing that the Lakers’ coaching staff can build on. Game 2 will be the real test. Because just days before the California Classic tipped off, he made headlines for something that wasn’t on the court. In a rapid-fire Q&A, the rookie was asked about the hardest part of his basketball journey so far. His answer? “The season’s just long, man.” Pause. There are things a first-year player can say. And that?

Dalton’s reality check

That’s flirting with danger. Imagine saying that out loud before logging even one regular-season NBA game. That’s not the kind of soundbite Lakers brass want floating around while they’re trying to rebuild a contender. But before you go labeling Knecht as the next cautionary tale, he did redeem himself in the very next breath.

Asked what he’s learned from LeBron James, Dalton didn’t hesitate. “He told me always just to stay consistent, always stay who you are, always stay in the lab.” Now that is the line they want etched into every scouting report. The Lakers don’t need instant stars. They need guys who grind. And if Knecht can take LeBron’s advice to heart, this whole Summer League bump could just be the first chapter in a slow-burn rise.

For now, the pressure stays on. And while Bronny James‘ debut remains a mystery — he wasn’t listed on the injury report, but the team hasn’t confirmed if he’ll suit up next game — all eyes will be on Game 2. Will Dalton come out swinging? Will Bronny finally take the floor? Stay tuned here, folks. Because in the Summer League, sometimes the biggest drama isn’t who scores, but who shows up.