Amidst negativity in LA during off-season, Lakers credited with ‘steal of the draft’ after picking Dalton Knecht

The Los Angeles Lakers selected former Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht in the first round of the NBA draft.

Amidst negativity in LA during off-season, Lakers credited with ‘steal of the draft’ after picking Dalton Knecht

Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and JJ Redick

Former NBA players Theo Pinson and Raymond Felton praised Dalton Knecht on the To The Baha podcast. Pinson called Knecht the “steal of the draft” and said he would have taken him first overall. 

Knecht was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, as the 17th pick, who are looking for mature players to complement LeBron James, who in the past had hyped him before the draft. Pinson and Felton believe Knecht fits the bill, with Pinson calling him a “bucket” and Felton saying he’s ready to play immediately.

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The steal of the draft? Lakers, Knecht. From Tennessee. He’s a bucket! I would’ve taken him first pick but you know how everybody else is. Ah, he’s too old. All this sh*t. He’s the best player in the draft!
Theo Pinson said on The Baha podcast

The duo dismissed concerns about Knecht’s defense, with Pinson joking that defense is a concern for many players in the league. Felton added that Knecht’s experience and maturity will make up for any defensive shortcomings.

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Knecht will make his NBA Summer League debut on Saturday with the Lakers, facing the Sacramento Kings at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Pinson and Felton’s endorsement has added to the hype surrounding Knecht’s potential in the league.

Magic Johnson recently praised Lakers’ draft pick of Dalton Knecht

The Los Angeles Lakers selected former Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht in the first round of the NBA draft, and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson is thrilled with the pick. Johnson called the selection outstanding and said he believes Knecht is just what the Lakers need. 

Laker Nation, outstanding pick last night by our Lakers selecting Dalton Knecht - I love it! Dalton is just what the Lakers need, a deadly 3-point shooter/scorer who is physically tough and has swag. He also played for a winning program and really good college coach at Tennessee, Rick Barnes!
Magic Johnson wrote on X

Knecht was projected to be a lottery pick after an impressive season, where he averaged 21.7 points and shot 39.7% from beyond the arc. Despite being projected as a top pick, Knecht’s age (23) caused him to tumble down the draft board, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. 

However, the Lakers saw past this and snagged him in the first round. General manager Rob Pelinka revealed that new head coach JJ Redick is already drawing up plays for Knecht, indicating that he will play a significant role next season. 

Magic Johnson’s endorsement and the team’s enthusiasm suggest that Knecht will have a strong career in Los Angeles. All signs point to Knecht being a great addition to the Lakers’ roster.

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