Despite a quiet offseason in terms of free agency or trades, the Lakers might have outdone their competition in the first round of the NBA draft.
Dalton Knecht, the 23-year-old rookie from Tennessee, was selected 17th overall by the Lakers. Knecht shone in his final college season, averaging 21.7 points and hitting 39.7% of his 3-point attempts. He led Tennessee to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a trip to the Elite 8.
Knecht’s impressive performance, including a 37-point game against Purdue, solidified his status as a first-round prospect. His fall to the 17th pick is now seen as a major win for the Lakers. Mo Dakhil of Bleacher Report recently named Knecht among the top rookie steals based on his Summer League performance.
“Knecht couldn’t have landed in a better spot than the Lakers. He will play for a first-time coach, JJ Redick, who was a movement shooter during his playing days,” Dakhil wrote. “[Knecht] can give Redick minutes immediately to help stretch the floor for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”
**Dalton Knecht Shines in NBA Summer League**
Knecht initially took time to adjust in the Summer League but eventually found his rhythm in Las Vegas. He finished 9th in scoring with 21.1 points per game, leading the team, and shot over 39% from beyond the arc on 7.7 attempts per game.
His shooting ability is exactly what the Lakers need to improve their 3-point attempts, which were among the lowest in the league last season. Increasing their attempts could boost the team’s success, as seen with high-attempt teams like the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, who both reached the NBA Finals.
**Potential Trade for Jonas Valanciunas**
Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 213 pounds, Knecht fills a crucial need for the Lakers on a rookie contract worth $18.5 million over four years. With limited salary flexibility after LeBron James’ new two-year deal, the Lakers may still be looking to make moves.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst hinted that the Lakers could revisit their interest in center Jonas Valanciunas, who recently signed a three-year deal with the Washington Wizards.
“Anthony Davis looks awesome defensively, but JJ Redick has said that they need a bruising center,” Windhorst stated. “That’s why they went after Jonas Valanciunas. I wouldn’t rule out Valanciunas eventually becoming a Laker this year.”
