Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James expressed his admiration for rookie wing Dalton Knecht following a standout performance where Knecht scored a remarkable 37 points in the Lakers’ 124-118 victory against the Utah Jazz. This impressive feat highlights Knecht’s potential as he shattered the single-game NBA rookie record by sinking nine three-pointers, including a perfect 6-for-6 during the third quarter.
Reflecting on Knecht’s selection, James asserted that the Lakers’ front office identified talent that other teams overlooked. He pointedly remarked that it wasn’t a case of the Lakers “finding” Knecht at No. 17 in the 2024 NBA Draft, but rather that the teams preceding the Lakers made a mistake by not choosing him. James emphasized, “They just didn’t f–k it up. You don’t ‘find’ a SEC Player of the Year.”
Knecht, whose stellar performance at Tennessee last season earned him the title of SEC Player of the Year, acknowledged his surprise at being drafted 17th but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the Lakers alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His age, being older than most other draft prospects, may have influenced his lower selection in the draft.
In addition to his record-setting shooting night, Knecht’s overall performance impressed, as he converted 12 of 16 shots from the field and 9 of 12 from three-point territory. This breakout game not only helped secure a win for the Lakers, improving their season record to 10-4, but also marked a significant moment in Knecht’s early career.
Knecht has shown consistency in recent games, scoring in double figures across his last four outings and contributing significantly with an average of 11.3 points per game, which ranks him among the team’s top scorers. His impressive shooting percentage of 46.4 from beyond the arc demonstrates his growing role in the Lakers’ offense.
This exciting development for the Lakers provides a sense of optimism as they continue their season, with Knecht proving to be an asset who can complement the team’s existing star power and elevate their championship aspirations. The Lakers’ ability to recognize and develop talent like Knecht could play a crucial role in their pursuit of success this season.