27, 14, and 19! Is Jalen Konnect the Lakers’ Hidden Gem?

The Los Angeles Lakers edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 104-99 in their latest game, with standout performances from Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and most notably, rookie Jalen Konnect. While the Lakers' superstar duo delivered their usual brilliance, it was Konnect’s continued rise that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Davis and LeBron Lead the Way

Anthony Davis dominated once again, reinforcing his role as the Lakers’ cornerstone. He played 37 minutes, shooting 12-of-20 from the field, 2-of-4 from three, and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line, finishing with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 steals. His third-quarter explosion—15 points and 8 rebounds—was pivotal in helping the Lakers overturn a deficit.

LeBron James, on the other hand, struggled early with his shot, going 8-of-19 from the field, 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-5 at the charity stripe. Despite six turnovers, LeBron stepped up in crunch time, hitting back-to-back clutch threes to seal the victory. He ended the game with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, proving once again that he remains a difference-maker when it matters most.

Jalen Konnect’s Breakout Game

While the Lakers’ superstars were instrumental, rookie Jalen Konnect arguably stole the show. Starting and playing 37 minutes, Konnect scored 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three and 2-of-2 from the line. He added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Like Davis, Konnect was key in the Lakers' third-quarter surge. During this pivotal stretch, he tallied 11 points, hitting 4-of-7 shots and 3-of-4 from deep. Konnect and Davis combined for 26 of the Lakers’ 29 points in the quarter, which they dominated 29-15.

Konnect’s +11 plus-minus rating led the team, a testament to his growing impact. For context, Davis finished with a +2, and LeBron had a +1. While a single game’s plus-minus can be misleading, Konnect’s recent performances suggest his value to the Lakers is no fluke.

A Look at Konnect’s Recent Surge

Konnect’s trajectory this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start, the 23-year-old forward has quickly adapted to the NBA game. Over the last three games, he’s posted 27, 14, and 19 points, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting a blistering 63.9% from the field and 63.2% from three (12-of-19).

Zooming out, Konnect is averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 20.2 minutes per game this season. He’s shooting 48.4% overall, 40.4% from three, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line, with an impressive true shooting percentage of 62.7%.

His impact goes beyond individual stats. When Konnect is on the floor, the Lakers score 122.3 points per 100 possessions and outscore opponents by 6.5 points. When he sits, their offensive rating drops to 110.9, and they are outscored by 5.6 points per 100 possessions.

Konnect’s Skillset and Fit

Coming out of college, Konnect was touted for his shooting, and he’s lived up to that reputation. However, his game extends beyond being a sniper. He’s shown flashes of playmaking, the ability to attack closeouts, and solid rebounding for his position. If he can improve his defense, he has the potential to become a top-tier 3-and-D player—one of the most coveted archetypes in the modern NBA.

Anthony Davis has already praised Konnect’s ability, saying, “Every time he shoots, I think it’s going in. When he doesn’t shoot, we’re frustrated because he’s such a good player. He can defend, shoot, dribble, pass—he can do it all.”

LeBron James echoed those sentiments with a more detailed assessment: “His shooting, his finishing—he can get his shot off against anyone. At 6’8” or 6’9”, with a quick release, he doesn’t need much time or space. He also has underrated athleticism. When he’s hitting threes and finishing at the rim, he’s a huge asset for us.”

The Story Behind Konnect’s Selection

Konnect’s rise is made even more intriguing by the story of his draft night. Expected to be a lottery pick, Konnect and his team declined an invitation to work out for the Lakers, believing he wouldn’t fall past the top 10. However, as the night unfolded, Konnect slipped all the way to the 17th pick, where the Lakers eagerly selected him without hesitation.

This decision has already paid off handsomely for the Lakers, especially when compared to their previous 17th pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino. Hood-Schifino has struggled mightily, tallying just 34 points in his career to date—less than Konnect has scored in his last two games combined. The Lakers have reportedly decided not to exercise Hood-Schifino’s third-year team option, a rarity for a first-round pick.

What’s Next for Konnect?

As the Lakers aim to solidify their standing in the Western Conference, Konnect’s continued development will be crucial. At 23, his ceiling might not be as high as some younger rookies, but his immediate impact fits perfectly with the Lakers’ win-now mentality. His shooting, versatility, and poise suggest he could become not just a reliable role player but potentially the Lakers’ best shooter—a distinction even LeBron hinted at.

If Konnect can maintain his current trajectory, he’ll not only secure a significant role in the Lakers’ rotation but also set himself up for a lucrative NBA career. With the platform the Lakers provide, the sky’s the limit for this late-lottery steal.