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 the Lakers’ 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz. After a game where Knecht also set a new NBA rookie record for three-pointers made in a single game with nine, including a perfect 6-for-6 in the third quarter, LeBron reflected on Knecht’s selection in the 2024 NBA draft.
James candidly stated that the Lakers didn’t simply find Knecht at No. 17 overall; instead, he pointed out that the teams ahead of them missed an opportunity, emphasizing, “They didn’t ‘find’ DK. The other 16 teams f–ked it up. Did anybody watch him?” His words highlight the rookie’s talent, noting that Knecht was named SEC Player of the Year after averaging 21.7 points per game during his last season at Tennessee.
While LeBron had previously recognized Knecht’s capabilities during his collegiate career, he expressed surprise that a player of Knecht’s caliber fell to the Lakers at the 17th pick. He stated he felt it would be “impossible” for this to happen but expressed gratitude that it did. Knecht himself admitted to being somewhat surprised by his draft position but was pleased with his landing spot alongside stars like LeBron and Anthony Davis.
At 23 years old, Knecht was older than many other prospects, which may have contributed to his draft position. His signing is proving to be fruitful for the Lakers, as he joins an elite group of players in franchise history to hit at least nine three-pointers in a game, a list that includes legends like Kobe Bryant and D’Angelo Russell.
In addition to his standout performance, Knecht has shown consistency, scoring in double figures over the past four games and averaging 11.3 points per game. He stands out for making 2.3 three-pointers per game, sharing the second-highest mark on the team with LeBron while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 46.4% from beyond the arc.
Overall, Knecht’s rise is promising for the Lakers as they continue to build momentum with a current season record of 10-4 and a 2-0 showing in NBA Cup play. His impressive contributions may position him as a key player in the team’s success moving forward.
This story exemplifies the excitement and potential that young players bring to the league, offering a bright outlook for both Knecht and the Lakers as they navigate the season. With LeBron and Knecht working in tandem, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances ahead.