Lakers Add Dalton Knecht with No. 17 Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
The Los Angeles Lakers may have found their scorer of the future and present. On a pivotal night in Brooklyn, the Lakers chose Tennessee standout Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the draft, there were questions about whether the Lakers would use the pick or include it in a trade. Despite several blockbuster trades leading up to the draft, including the New York Knicks trading for Mikal Bridges, the Lakers opted to keep their selection.
Knecht’s journey to this moment is remarkable. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 212 pounds, he emerged as a standout guard in his lone season at the University of Tennessee, averaging 21.7 points per game with shooting splits of 45.8% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc, and 77.2% from the free-throw line. His performance earned him First Team All-America honors and the title of SEC Player of the Year.
Before Tennessee, Knecht played two seasons at Northern Colorado, averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over 103 Division I games. His journey from overlooked high school talent to college standout speaks volumes about his resilience and determination.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, expressed excitement about Knecht’s selection. “It’s an extremely exciting night for the Los Angeles Lakers. We would have never imagined a player as skilled and perfect for our needs would be there for us,” Pelinka said. “We had him as a top 10 player unanimously across our scouting boards.”
Pelinka emphasized Knecht’s competitive nature, calling him a “three-level scorer” who excels on both ends of the floor. Knecht’s ability to defend, his physicality, and his athleticism make him a valuable 3-and-D player, fitting seamlessly into the Lakers’ roster.
The Lakers’ decision to draft Knecht addresses several team needs, particularly in perimeter scoring and spot-up shooting. His versatility and scoring ability are expected to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing the Lakers with a much-needed offensive weapon. Knecht’s game draws comparisons to notable NBA players such as Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jerami Grant, and Terrence Ross.
As the newest member of the Lakers, Dalton Knecht carries the hopes of a franchise eager to return to championship contention. His journey from overlooked high school player to NBA first-round pick is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Lakers fans can look forward to seeing Knecht’s scoring prowess and defensive tenacity on full display at the Crypto.com Arena as he embarks on this new chapter in his basketball career.
