2 Words from Austin Reaves Could Change Dalton Knecht’s Mindset Before the Big Game Against the Timberwolves?

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again under the national spotlight as they prepare to face the high-powered Minnesota Timberwolves. With playoff seeding implications on the line and pressure mounting, rookie Dalton Knecht finds himself in unfamiliar territory: the edge of a breakout or a breakdown. But in the locker room, it wasn’t a coaching speech or a viral highlight that lit a spark—it was two simple words from Austin Reaves, a young star who knows exactly what it means to rise in big moments.

Let’s explore how a brief yet powerful interaction could shift the entire mindset of Dalton Knecht, and how Reaves’ leadership might influence the Lakers’ chances in one of the most critical games of the season.

Dalton Knecht’s Emergence and the Weight of Expectations

Dalton Knecht didn’t enter the league with the fanfare of a lottery pick, but his journey from junior college to the University of Tennessee to the Lakers’ rotation has inspired fans and coaches alike. Known for his scoring versatility, hustle, and no-nonsense attitude, Knecht has grown into a reliable contributor off the bench. However, as the Lakers prepare to face the Timberwolves—a team known for aggressive defense and elite wing depth—Knecht’s role becomes even more pivotal.

Knecht’s strengths include his ability to knock down open shots, attack closeouts, and make smart cuts. But his weakness has been inconsistency under pressure. In recent games against playoff-bound teams, Knecht’s shooting percentage has dropped, and he’s appeared hesitant on both ends. The Lakers need a version of him that plays confidently, with purpose.

That’s where Austin Reaves enters the picture. Reaves, now a proven playoff performer, has been vocal about mentoring the younger players. His own rise from undrafted rookie to national spotlight has become the blueprint for underdogs like Knecht.

Austin Reaves’ ‘Be You’ Message Resonates in the Locker Room

As tension built in the practice facility ahead of the Timberwolves matchup, Reaves approached Knecht during a film session. With no cameras, no reporters, and no theatrics, he leaned in and simply said:

“Be you.”

To some, those words might seem vague or generic. But for Knecht, they struck a nerve. According to team sources, Reaves went on to explain that trying to “play perfect” or emulate stars like LeBron or AD is not the key. Instead, embracing one’s identity, even in the heat of a playoff-level battle, is what separates those who fold from those who thrive.

Reaves explained that during his own breakout postseason in 2023, it wasn’t stats that changed everything—it was mindset. “I stopped trying to be someone I wasn’t,” he told Knecht. “I just played my game, and the rest came.”

The Lakers coaching staff has echoed a similar sentiment. Assistant coach Phil Handy reportedly told Knecht, “When you’re yourself, you’re dangerous. When you try to be someone else, you disappear.”

The “Be You” message isn’t just a motivational phrase—it’s a mental reset for a young player on the brink of a defining performance.

The Timberwolves’ Defense: A Perfect Test for Knecht’s Mindset

Facing the Timberwolves means matching up with one of the most suffocating defenses in the NBA. With Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert patrolling the court, open looks are rare, and mistakes are punished. For a player like Knecht, who thrives on rhythm and quick decisions, this game will test both his skill and mental toughness.

The Lakers are expected to rely on Knecht to space the floor and punish Minnesota’s help defense. The Timberwolves often double-team LeBron James in the post and collapse the paint against Anthony Davis. This creates windows—brief but crucial—for role players to shine. In past matchups, Reaves and Rui Hachimura have taken advantage of these gaps. Now, it’s Knecht’s turn.

If Knecht can hit two or three early shots, his confidence may skyrocket. That, combined with the mental clarity instilled by Reaves, could help him remain locked in for the remainder of the game. What the Lakers don’t need is hesitation—second-guessing shots, over-passing, or freezing up when the moment comes.

That’s why “Be You” is more than encouragement. It’s tactical.

Veteran Influence and the Power of Peer-Led Motivation

The NBA has countless examples of veteran influence shaping younger talent. From Kobe Bryant mentoring Devin Booker, to Draymond Green coaching up Jonathan Kuminga, this form of mentorship goes beyond practice—it’s about confidence, trust, and real-time belief.

Austin Reaves isn’t an old vet, but his path has earned him immense respect. He’s known for being grounded, approachable, and brutally honest. His words hold weight because he’s walked the same uncertain path Knecht is now facing.

LeBron James, ever the leader, has also praised Knecht’s potential in recent interviews. “He has tools, man,” James said. “He just needs to trust it.” But coming from a peer like Reaves, the message sometimes hits harder. There’s something different about hearing it from someone who was just in your shoes, who had to fight for every minute, every shot, and every inch of respect.

Even head coach Darvin Ham acknowledged this dynamic in a press conference: “Sometimes the most powerful leadership doesn’t come from the top. It comes from next to you. And that’s what Austin gave Dalton.”

What This Game Means for the Lakers’ Postseason Push

This game against Minnesota isn’t just another regular-season fixture—it could determine seeding, momentum, and even psychological edge going into the playoffs. The Lakers are fighting for home-court advantage and want to avoid the play-in tournament. Every possession counts, and every player, no matter their role, matters.

If Dalton Knecht steps up, even in a small way, it changes the complexion of the rotation. It allows Darvin Ham to rest key players for brief stretches, avoid overloading Reaves and Hachimura, and keep the offense unpredictable. A confident Knecht means a deeper, more dangerous Lakers team.

And let’s be clear: it’s not about Knecht dropping 30 points. It’s about making the right plays, taking open shots without hesitation, and defending his assignment with energy. That alone could shift a few key moments—and in the NBA, moments make all the difference.

Final Thoughts: Can Two Words Really Change a Player’s Mindset?

Absolutely. In the hyper-pressurized world of professional sports, sometimes the simplest reminders cut the deepest. “Be You” is more than motivational jargon—it’s a return to fundamentals, a rejection of self-doubt, and a call to action.

For Dalton Knecht, those two words from Austin Reaves could be the difference between a forgettable night and a breakthrough performance. If Knecht shows up ready, confident, and aggressive, he not only helps his team—he begins crafting his own playoff identity.

The game against the Timberwolves will tell us a lot. Not just about seeding or strategy, but about what kind of player Knecht is becoming—and how leadership from within the locker room can shape a franchise’s future.

As the ball tips off under the bright lights, all eyes will be on LeBron, AD, and the stars. But don’t be surprised if a few critical moments belong to a rookie inspired by just two words. Because in the NBA, sometimes that’s all it takes.