On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers welcomed Dalton Knecht, the Tennessee guard selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Although Knecht was initially considered a potential lottery pick, he ultimately joined the Lakers, the team that once had legendary shooting guard Kobe Bryant.
Before being drafted, Knecht had no connections to Los Angeles. He was born in North Dakota, attended high school in Colorado, and spent the first two years of his college career there before transferring to Tennessee. However, the Lakers’ widespread influence means that fans can come from anywhere, regardless of their origin.
It was always meant to be. 💛💜@DaltonKnecht3 | @Vol_Hoops | @Lakers | #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/rZKTpcsn9t
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) June 27, 2024
Knecht’s connection to the Lakers goes back to his childhood, as the first jersey he ever owned was a Lakers jersey, specifically one of Kobe Bryant’s. He mentioned this during draft night via The Players’ Tribune:
As one of the older players selected in the first round of the 2024 draft at 23 years old, Knecht represents the generation that grew up watching Bryant play for the Lakers. He was 11 years old when the Lakers debuted their white Christmas jersey in 2012, making him the perfect age to receive such a jersey as a gift.
Joining the franchise of his childhood idol, Knecht is eager to help the Lakers as they aim to build a championship-contending team in his first year.
Dalton Knecht: Drafted by the Lakers is a Dream Come True
In an interview with ESPN’s Monica McNutt following his selection, Knecht expressed his excitement about being drafted by the Lakers, calling it a dream come true.
“It’s a dream come true, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s just a blessing, that’s all I can say. I’m lost for words and I’m ready to get to work.”
Knecht, known for his shooting ability, is expected to contribute immediately to the Lakers, who have been in need of such a skill for years. His reputation as one of the hardest workers in this draft suggests that he shares some of Bryant’s traits, potentially leading to a significant impact on the team.
