Going into the 2024 NBA Draft, most experts ranked Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht among the top 10 prospects. While his ceiling was perceived as slightly lower than other younger prospects, he was seen as someone who could contribute immediately and winning SEC Player of the Year was proof that he could perform on the biggest stages.

The fact that he fell to the Lakers with the 17th overall pick was a surprise to just about everyone, and Knecht was immediately viewed as one of the biggest steals of the draft. So far, he’s proving everyone right, especially after his 37-point explosion in the Lakers’ win over the Utah Jazz, in which he tied an NBA rookie record with nine 3-pointers.

Often it’s not about how high a player is drafted, but where he ends up, as the right situation is most important to a player’s success. While Knecht would admit he was a little surprised he fell as far as he did on draft night, he is very happy with where he ended up.

“I would say a little bit,” Knecht replied when asked whether he was surprised by his draft fall. “I did what I did in college. A lot of people said I was the best player, so when I fell it wasn’t a problem because I ended up in a great place. I got to play with LeBron, I mean, who could say? And then also AD. I went to a great franchise and I’m very blessed to be here.

The Lakers have long had a need for a true marksman on their roster and Knecht has provided that. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis garnering so much attention, it creates a wide open look for the rookie. And as teams adjust to Knecht’s quick shooting, he has also shown the ability to attack the rim and finish or find teammates for easy buckets.

Most teams entering the draft are hoping to land a player who can ultimately become a solid role player and be part of their rotation. It appears the Lakers have done that, and more, as Knecht has endeared himself immensely to his teammates, coaches and the fans and things should only get better from here.

Lakers’ Dalton Knecht knew after his first shot that it would be a special night

Even though Dalton Knecht has found his feet with the Lakers this season, there was no prediction about the night he would have against the Jazz. But when the rookie fired his first shot, he knew it was going to be a big night.

“The first shot,” Knecht said when asked when he thought it would be a good night. “Every time I see one go in, I think the next one is going in. Even if I miss it, I’m always confident that my next shot is going in. My dad always told me that, so that’s just my to trust.”

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