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The LA Lakers landed one of the 2024 NBA draft's most highly touted 3-point shooters, taking Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht No. 17. The move projects to provide a sizeable offensive boost to a veteran squad looking to bounce back from this year's disappointing playoff showing.
Widely mocked as a lottery pick, Knecht unexpectedly slipped to 17th, with many speculating about his age (23) and questionable defense being contributing factors. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter was the nation's eighth-leading scorer in his senior season with the Volunteers.
Over 36 games, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.6 3-pointers per game, shooting 45.8% and 39.7% from deep. Thus, he should be an ideal win-now addition to LA's veteran-laden core headlined by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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On Monday, newly hired LA coach JJ Redick highlighted his desire for the team to shoot more 3s next year. The Lakers finished just 24th in 3-pointers per game (11.8) this past season. So, Knecht could be one of their top shooters right out of the gate.
LA also possesses the No. 55 pick in Thursday's second round. The franchise is widely rumored to be targeting James' son, Bronny James.
Ahead of the Lakers' Round 2 selection, here is a look at their updated depth chart including Knecht.
LA Lakers projected depth chart next season featuring Dalton Knecht
LA seemingly has a big offseason ahead of itself, including potentially needing to re-sign LeBron James in free agency. Meanwhile, the organization has been mentioned in numerous trade talks to acquire a third star.
However, as of Wednesday, the Lakers' projected 2024-25 depth chart is as follows:
Rob Pelinka on Dalton Knecht falling to Lakers
Among those surprised to see Dalton Knecht slip out of the draft lottery was LA general manager Rob Pelinka. After securing the high-volume scoring wing at pick 17, he noted that the Lakers had him ranked in their Top 10 prospects.
Pelinka also highlighted how fortunate they were to have a player of Knecht's caliber fall to them.
"We would have never imagined a player as skilled and perfect for our needs would be there [at 17]," Pelinka said.
Knecht will look to earn playing time on an LA team coming off a 4-1 first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets. Assuming the Lakers retain their top players and add a few more pieces this offseason, they will likely face NBA title expectations next season.
