How Will Bronny James and Dalton Knecht Impact Lakers This Season?

The Los Angeles Lakers are making headlines after drafting Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, during the 2024 NBA Draft. This marks a historic moment as they become the first father-son duo to play together in the league.

While Bronny's selection has garnered significant attention, the Lakers' acquisition of Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick is also noteworthy.

Knecht, the former Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, was projected to be a top-10 pick but fell into the Lakers' hands, making him a potential steal for the team.

With both rookies now on the roster, the focus shifts to how they will fit into the Lakers' backcourt rotation.

Knecht is expected to carve out a role as a shooting guard, utilizing his shooting and defensive skills alongside playmakers like LeBron James. He will likely share minutes with Austin Reaves, taking on a 3-and-D role that suits the team's needs.

On the other hand, Bronny may face challenges in securing consistent playing time due to the depth at point guard.

In a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview , newly-hired head coach JJ Redick spoke about the expectations he had for Bronny this season. Redick mentioned Oklahoma CIty guard Lu Dort as the type of player he believes Bronny James will develop into.

"[Lu Dort’s] impact you can’t get into your offense sometimes," Redick said. "... He literally blows up entire plays because of that pressure and I really believe this, Bronny eventually will be that guy.”

The Lakers already have established players in D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, which means Bronny will likely need time to develop before making a significant impact.

Both players are seen as valuable additions to the Lakers' future. Knecht is anticipated to contribute right away, while Bronny is expected to find his footing in the coming seasons.

The Lakers are looking to leverage the talents of these rookies to strengthen their roster as they aim for success in the upcoming season.