LeBron James never holds back when he has something to say, and after Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz, he made sure the basketball world knew how he felt about the 16 teams that passed on Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard put on an electrifying show, dropping 37 points and tying a rookie record with an incredible nine 3-pointers in a 124-118 victory.
Knecht, who was drafted 17th overall by the Lakers, looked unstoppable as he went 12-for-16 from the field and 9-for-12 from beyond the arc. This performance not only secured the Lakers’ sixth consecutive win, but it also raised eyebrows across the league. With LeBron James adding 26 points and dishing out 12 assists, the Lakers now boast a 10-4 record and are looking like one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
A Rookie Making Waves
Dalton Knecht isn’t just a one-game wonder. The former SEC Player of the Year out of Tennessee is averaging 11.3 points per game, ranking fourth among NBA rookies this season. What’s even more impressive is his recent form — over his last four appearances, including three starts, he’s been lighting it up with an average of 24.3 points per game. Clearly, Knecht is finding his rhythm in the NBA, and his confidence is translating to on-court dominance.
But let’s take a step back to appreciate how Knecht even ended up in Los Angeles. LeBron himself was stunned that Knecht fell to the 17th pick. “The other 16 teams [expletive] it up,” LeBron told reporters. “Did anybody watch him? They just didn’t [expletive] it up. You don’t ‘find’ an SEC Player of the Year.”
James admitted he had kept a close eye on Knecht during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, particularly when Tennessee faced Purdue. “I watched Tennessee a lot,” LeBron said. “I did not think he was going to fall to us. I thought it would be impossible. I have no idea how that happened, but I’m very happy he is here. I knew exactly what we were getting when he fell to 17.”
A Draft Class to Remember
The 2024 NBA Draft class is already shaping up to be one for the books. While Knecht is grabbing headlines now, he wasn’t the only standout from draft night. Players like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Jared McCain went ahead of him. McCain, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, leads all rookies with 15.2 points per game. Risacher ranks second at 12 points per game with the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite these impressive stats, Knecht’s ability to impact the game with his sharpshooting sets him apart. He leads all rookies with 2.3 made 3-pointers per game, proving he’s a constant threat from downtown. His 21-point explosion in the third quarter against the Jazz, which included hitting all six of his 3-point attempts, was nothing short of remarkable.
Teammates and Coaches Sing Knecht’s Praises
Knecht’s breakout performance didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates. Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who recorded 26 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists in the game, was full of praise. “He is a shooter,” Davis said. “Like I said before, any time he makes a shot, it gives us a spark. He is special to watch. When he is shooting the ball like that, it definitely gives us energy. We are going to keep going to him for sure.”
Even Lakers head coach J.J. Redick, a legendary shooter in his own right, couldn’t hide his excitement. “We are happy for Dalton,” Redick said. “As a shooter, it’s fun to watch a guy who can get hot like that.” Redick revealed that Knecht’s shooting prowess had been evident in practice, whether in shooting drills or scrimmages.
Knecht himself remained humble despite his jaw-dropping performance. “I just got in a groove,” he said. “My teammates found me and they were looking for me every time. They made it really easy for me.”
A Spark for the Lakers’ Offense
The Lakers’ offense has been firing on all cylinders this season. They’re averaging 117.3 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the NBA, while ranking fifth in field goal percentage (48.3%) and 11th in assists (27.4 per game). Even their ball security has been stellar, tying the Miami Heat for the fourth-fewest turnovers per game (12.8).
Knecht’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting has been a crucial element in this offensive surge. His scoring outburst against the Jazz wasn’t just flashy — it was pivotal. Knecht scored the Lakers’ final 18 points of the third quarter and their first four points of the fourth. His hot hand allowed the Lakers to pull away in a game that could have gone either way.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
With their winning streak now at six games, the Lakers are sitting pretty as the third seed in the Western Conference. Up next, they’ll face the Orlando Magic, another team playing at a high level this season, at 10:30 p.m. EST on Thursday in Los Angeles.
As for Knecht, the rookie phenom is showing no signs of slowing down. His remarkable performance against the Jazz not only solidified his place in the Lakers’ rotation but also sent a message to the rest of the league: this kid is the real deal.
Final Thoughts
LeBron James doesn’t hand out compliments lightly, so when he speaks, people listen. His belief in Dalton Knecht isn’t just hype — it’s backed by Knecht’s sensational play on the court. The Lakers’ front office deserves credit for taking a chance on him at No. 17, but Knecht is proving he wasn’t a gamble at all. He’s a steal.
For Lakers fans, the future looks bright with Knecht in purple and gold. His scoring touch, combined with the leadership of LeBron and the dominance of Anthony Davis, gives Los Angeles a formidable trio. If Knecht continues on this trajectory, the 16 teams that passed on him will have to live with the regret of letting a star slip through their fingers.
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