LeBron James on Dalton Knecht: Besides Bronny, he was my favorite college player

Dalton Knecht established himself as a first-round talent this year, and the 17th pick earned high praise from Los Angeles Lakers teammate LeBron James for his season at Tennessee.

Knecht was a consensus first-team All-American after averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 39.7% shooting from 3-point range. He registered a program record eight 35-point performances, including 37 points in a loss to Purdue in the Elite Eight.

The 23-year-old was projected to be a high lottery pick on June 26 after his campaign but fell to the Lakers with the 17th pick in the NBA draft. James, like most, was a bit surprised Knecht was still available when the Lakers were on the clock.

Throughout the course of the college season, Dalton, besides Bronny (James) , was my favorite player in college basketball. I watched his game throughout the whole season. I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height and his demeanor that he played with. I’ve always felt his game would translate to the NBA. I did not think he would fall to 17 at all, so I didn’t think we’d even have an opportunity to get him, but I’m glad he did.

The Lakers were ecstatic that Knecht fell to them in the draft after ranking him highly on their board. The team, led by president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick, is impressed with his ability as a shooter on the move or bounce and the three-level scoring he can provide nightly.

Knecht debuted with the Lakers on Saturday in the California Classic, recording 12 points, four assists, two assists and two steals in a loss to the Sacramento Kings . He went 3-of-12 from the field, including 1-of-4 from 3-point range, in 26 minutes.

He can continue his transition with two more games in San Francisco and at least five games in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. He will certainly have at least one fan in James heading into next season.

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