The Los Angeles Lakers used the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to select 23-year-old shooter Dalton Knecht from the University of Tennessee. Prior to being drafted, Knecht was asked who the GOAT is and named Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant as his pick. That has clearly changed now that he’s on the Lakers, sharing a picture with LeBron James on media day and hailing the 39-year-old as the GOAT.
“Playing alongside the GOAT in Los Angeles is a dream come true for a kid from Fargo.”
https://twitter.com/DaltonKnecht_/status/1840927698665046489
Knecht is expected to contribute as a rookie due to his shooting prowess on the wing, with the Lakers cautiously optimistic about what he can provide. He averaged 21.7 points per game in college while shooting 39.7% from three in his final season, proving to be a big-time contributor and one of the most complete prospects in the Draft.
Not only did Knecht show his allegiance to Durant over LeBron before joining the Lakers, his social media was full of posts showing his fandom for the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have eliminated the Lakers in the last two Playoffs, building a relatively one-sided rivalry between the franchises.
Now that Knecht is wearing the purple and gold of the Lakers, he’s bound to align himself with the franchise and the stars on it. He and LeBron are already building a strong relationship, with the pair attending an LA Rams game together in the offseason as well.
LeBron James Was Happy The Lakers Could Draft Knecht
Knecht was one of the best players in college basketball last season, with his lower draft status being a result of his age and perceived lack of growth potential. This worked perfectly for the Lakers, who needed a player who could contribute immediately with a non-lottery pick in a relatively weak Draft class.
LeBron declared Knecht as his favorite college player last season, outside his son and other Lakers rookie Bronny James, and revealed his surprise at Knecht being available at No. 17.
“Throughout the course of the college season Dalton, besides Bronny, was my favorite player in college basketball. I watched his game throughout the whole season I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height, his demeanor that he plays with. I’ve always kinda felt that his game would translate to the NBA. I did not think he would fall to 17 at all. So I didn’t think we would even have an opportunity to get him. But I’m glad he did so I’m looking forward to that.”
New Lakers head coach JJ Redick is also a massive fan of Knecht, already saying that he’s in the top 1% of shooters in the NBA.
“Dalton Knecht, to me, I told him this the other day, he is in the 1% of shooters. He’s in the 1%. He has a skill that is just hard to find,” Redick said. “He’s going to have a chance to earn a spot in the rotation.”
That’s a massive compliment coming from Redick, who is one of the best shooters in NBA history himself and sits 20th on the all-time made three-pointers list. Under Redick’s guidance and the opportunity on the Lakers, Knecht might have landed in one of the best spots possible.
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