Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James expressed his admiration for rookie Dalton Knecht following an impressive performance where Knecht scored a team-high 37 points in a 124-118 victory against the Utah Jazz. When asked about how the Lakers discovered Knecht during the 2024 NBA Draft, which saw him selected at No. 17 overall, LeBron suggested that the teams ahead of the Lakers made mistakes in not choosing him, asserting, “They didn’t ‘find’ DK. The other 16 teams f–ked it up. Did anybody watch him?”
In this standout game, Knecht achieved a remarkable feat, setting a single-game NBA rookie record with nine three-pointers, notably going 6-for-6 in the third quarter. During his lone season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 21.7 points per game and earned the title of SEC Player of the Year, a recognition that further underscores his talent.
James, who had previously praised Knecht for his play at Tennessee, remarked that he thought it was “impossible” for Knecht to still be available when the Lakers picked, but expressed gratitude that the situation allowed them to acquire him. Knecht, reflecting on his draft position, admitted being “a little bit” surprised to be selected at No. 17 but was pleased with the outcome, given the opportunity to play alongside stars like James and Anthony Davis.
Knecht’s age at 23 compared to other draft prospects might have contributed to his draft position, as he was older than most, with Purdue center Zach Edey being the only senior selected in the lottery. This decision has proven beneficial for the Lakers, with Knecht now tying for the fourth player in franchise history to make at least nine three-pointers in a game, following in the footsteps of legends like LeBron, D’Angelo Russell, and Kobe Bryant.
His remarkable shooting night included making 12 of 16 attempts from the field, alongside a stellar 9 of 12 from three-point range, showcasing his shooting prowess. This performance not only elevated the Lakers’ record to 10-4 for the season but also solidified Knecht’s growing role on the team, as he has consistently scored in double figures in recent games.
As Knecht continues to find his rhythm in the league, he is averaging 11.3 points per game and displaying impressive efficiency from beyond the arc with a shooting percentage of 46.4%. The future looks bright for both Knecht and the Lakers as they aim for further success this season.
This article highlights the importance of recognizing talent in unexpected places, emphasizing that teams should thoroughly evaluate prospects and potential stars, regardless of age or perceived market value. With Knecht already making significant contributions, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding his development and impact on the Lakers moving forward.