The Los Angeles Lakers have capitalized on a trend within NBA scouting that tends to overlook older draft prospects. During the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick, a decision that is already proving advantageous as he has found success early on, playing alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
According to a report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Knecht, who is 23 years old, faced skepticism from many teams due to his age. While scouts often favor younger players with high upside, the Lakers recognized Knecht’s unique skill set and athleticism, which were highlighted at the draft combine. He boasts impressive measurements, including a 6-foot-9 wingspan, a 39-inch vertical leap, and the fastest shuttle run among all prospects. Notably, Knecht led the SEC in scoring last season, placing his performance alongside legendary players like Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted that Knecht’s playing style meshes seamlessly with LeBron James, potentially allowing him to step into a significant role as a rookie. With the Lakers’ recent struggles in finding consistent scoring outside of their star players, Knecht’s contributions are particularly valuable.
An NBA scout commented on the advantage of possessing a veteran player with a recognizable NBA skill set, emphasizing that Knecht delivers that capability with his shooting ability—a highly sought-after trait in the current game.
In the current season, Knecht is averaging 11.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 15 games. He has notably recorded double-digit scoring in five consecutive games, including an impressive performance against the Utah Jazz where he scored 37 points.
This story highlights a potential shift in the league’s perception of older players, as the Lakers’ strategic choice to draft Knecht could inspire other teams to reassess their scouting and drafting philosophies. The agility with which Knecht has adapted to the NBA could pave the way for a successful career, benefitting both him and the Lakers.