LA Lakers fans on cloud nine after drafting Dalton Knecht with No. 17 pick: "Knecht with JJ Redick was a match made in heaven"

With the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the LA Lakers selected Dalton Knecht from the University of Tennessee. At 23 years old, Knecht is a bit older than the other draft prospects, although he was still projected to be a top-10 pick.

Knecht fell from the lottery, though, and Lakers fans on social media seemed to be thrilled when the team drafted the knockdown shooter with their first-round pick.

One fan pointed out how Knecht would fit in well with new Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who was also a dead-eye marksman coming out of college.

"Knecht with JJ Redick was a match made in heaven," a fan said.

"Dude was like a human spark plug. The most exciting player to watch in college basketball last year!" another fan shared their excitement.

"ANOTHER SHOOTER FOR LEBRON HAS ARRIVED," a fan shared.

Other fans praised the front office for potentially getting a draft steal.

"Pelinka with the steal of the draft," a fan shared.

"Steal of the draft baby," another fan said.

"Dude was projected to go in the top 10. I think it's a steal," a fan pointed out.

In his first and only year in Tennessee, Dalton Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The 6-foot-5 wingman shot 39.7% from beyond the arc, making him a lethal threat from beyond the arc.

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New LA Lakers Dalton Knecht rookie had an interesting college career

Unlike most college players, Knecht wasn't highly recruited. He started his college career at the Northeastern Junior College, a public community college. The shooter wasn't as tall when he started playing college but still averaged 13.3 points in his freshman year.

He grew to his official height of 6-5 in his sophomore year and finished the season with 23.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and two assists. After that, he decided to transfer to Northern Colorado. His first year after the transfer wasn't easy as he put up 8.9 points. However, he came back stronger and put up 20.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists the following year.

In his third year, Knecht put up 21.7 points, which was the most he's had since his transfer. He became one of the most exciting college players that even LeBron James praised him for how he played.

"We watched that Purdue and Tennessee game because of Edey and Knecht," James said. "Players, depending on who they are, will drive the attention when it comes to viewership."

Now, a new chapter for Knecht will start with the LA Lakers and their quest to win a title.