Along with drafting Bronny James in the second round, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht using the 17th overall pick. This prompted Undisputed host Skip Bayless to say LeBron James should be happy the front office selected a shooter like the Tennessee star.
Knecht began his college basketball career at Northeastern Junior College, where he averaged 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game as a freshman. He improved significantly in his sophomore year, putting up 23.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per contest. During his time at Northeastern, Knecht grew from 6’1″ to 6’6″.
![Skip Bayless Has Messaged for LeBron James After Los Angeles Lakers' Pick Dalton Knecht 1 Los Angeles Lakers, Dalton Knecht](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22912135-1-scaled.jpg)
The guard then transferred to Northern Colorado, where he had a more modest statistical output as a junior, averaging 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. However, he elevated his game as a senior, leading the Big Sky Conference with 20.2 points per game and adding 7.2 rebounds per contest.
After his successful senior season, Knecht decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted due to COVID-19 and entered the transfer portal. He landed at Tennessee for the 2023-24 campaign. The Lakers rookie had an outstanding year for the Volunteers, earning SEC Player of the Year and SEC Newcomer of the Year honors. He set new career-highs in several statistical categories, including a 40-point performance against Kentucky on senior night.
Sports Analyst Says LeBron James Should Be Happy Los Angeles Lakers Drafted a Shooter Like Dalton Knecht
![Skip Bayless Has Messaged for LeBron James After Los Angeles Lakers' Pick Dalton Knecht 2 Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Golden State Warriors](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22987453_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
His performance at the collegiate level has certainly caught Los Angeles’ attention and led them to use the 17th pick on him. In turn, sports analyst Skip Bayless tweeted on his official X account that James should be in good spirits due to the Lakers selecting Knecht.
“LeBron should be happy. Dalton Knecht can SHOOT IT,” Bayless tweeted.
Over the course of three seasons he played in the NCAA, Knecht averaged 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He also shot 46 percent from the field, 38 percent on 5.5 attempts from downtown, and 76 percent from the free throw line.
![Skip Bayless Has Messaged for LeBron James After Los Angeles Lakers' Pick Dalton Knecht 3 Los Angeles Lakers, Dalton Knecht](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22913392_168400517_lowres.jpg)
It remains to be seen how Knecht will perform at the pro level as part of the Lakers next season. Nevertheless, James will have more reason to stay in Los Angeles to see how the rookie will develop.
![Skip Bayless Has Messaged for LeBron James After Los Angeles Lakers' Pick Dalton Knecht 4 Los Angeles Lakers, Dalton Knecht](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22913874_168400517_lowres-1.jpg)
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