The Los Angeles Lakers only had one first round pick between the 2024 and 2025 NBA Drafts. So, they had to make it count.
Initially, reports pointed to the Lakers having interest in USC’s Bronny James with the 17th or 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. That’s an incredibly large gap. Yet, with James being used as a pawn in his father’s free agency, it made sense. Surely, James could have been drafted before the end of the second round by a team who wanted to make his dad’s decision more difficult.
At the same time, the Lakers were said to be looking into centers. Baylor’s Yves Missi was usually tied to L.A. with regard to these rumors. However, on draft night, Missi was selected 21st overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers had bypassed Missi to add a prospect who wasn’t expected to be available outside of the lottery: Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht.
Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht’s Historic Preseason Game Proves He’s Draft Steal
In a hard fought battle between L.A. and the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, Knecht put the NBA world on notice. The 23-year-old became the first Lakers player since at least 1996-97 to score at least 30 points in a preseason game (h/t ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin). In the process, he scored 20 straight points between the fourth quarter and overtime.
Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht STOLE THE SHOW scoring TWENTY STRAIGHT in the 4Q and OT leading LAL to the #NBAPreseason victory!
🔥 35 PTS
🔥 7 REB
🔥 8 3PM
🔥 10-18 FGM pic.twitter.com/WFCptZs3cd— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2024
Not bad for a guy who played for three schools in an effort to reach the NBA.
Dalton Knecht’s On Deck
Watching Knecht’s college film, one could see the traits that made him an attractive target.
He’s long, measured at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. Though he undoubtedly put in immense effort, he also had the smooth stroke of a natural shooter. Yet, Knecht also had a knack for attacking the rim in straight-line drives.
Offense is what everyone focuses. However, Knecht’s rebounding was another interesting trait, evidence of his dedication to technique and toughness if nothing else. His on-ball perimeter defense didn’t steal the show, but it was a memorable.
Against the Suns, all of those skills were on display.
Of course, Knecht can’t be expected to replicate that exact performance or be hyper-efficient every game. However, he definitely has the potential to be a very good NBA player. In fact, he’s likely to be in a championship-contender’s rotation as a rookie. Looking like he’s next in a long line of 17th overall picks who have outplayed their draft position, Thursday night offered just a small glimpse what could be a long career.
