"My favorite player besides Bronny" - Ecstatic LeBron James shares his admiration for Lakers' newest acquisition

LeBron James is getting ready to play for Team USA this upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, but his mind was somewhere else this weekend. Bronny James made his Summer League debut for the LA Lakers, so he had to comment about it while also discussing his admiration for one of his new teammates.

In a press conference on Saturday (h/t Ben Golliver of the Washington Post), James expressed his approval of the Lakers drafting Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick. He was so happy that Knecht fell out of the Top 10 and the Lakers were able to get a steal. He even called the Tennessee product his favorite player in college basketball besides his son.

"Throughout the course of the college season Dalton, besides Bronny, was my favorite player in college basketball. I've watched his game throughout the whole season. I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height, the demeanor that he plays with. I've always kind of felt like his game would translate to the NBA. I did not think he would fall to 17 at all, so I didn't even think we would get the opportunity to get him. I'm glad he did, so looking forward to that," James said.

Dalton Knecht was a consensus Top 10 pick in this year's draft but he fell to No. 17 and the LA Lakers gladly picked him up. Knecht seems to be a perfect fit for the Lakers, considering his skill set. He can shoot and is athletic enough to attack the rim.

Knecht and Bronny James made their Summer League debuts on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, surely pleasing LeBron James and the rest of the franchise. Both players started in the backcourt for the Lakers, with Knecht getting 26 minutes of playing time and Bronny putting in 21 minutes of work.

Bronny finished with four points, two rebounds and two assists on 2-for-9 shooting. Knecht, on the other hand, had 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. He also struggled with his shot after going 3-for-12 from the floor.

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LeBron James to play point forward for Team USA

LeBron James to play point forward for Team USA. (Photo: IMAGN)

LeBron James is already 39 years old, but it seems like he has no plans to slow down this summer with Team USA. James is still the biggest name on the roster and quite possibly the most important.

Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported on Friday that "The King" will be a starter for Team USA, possibly at small forward. But he will also play point forward with Steph Curry playing off the ball along with the other backcourt player, presumably either Anthony Edwards or Devin Booker.

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr reportedly wants to take advantage of James' playmaking and Curry's movement off the ball plus his obvious shooting. They are looking to win their fifth straight Olympic gold medal.