Lakers’ 2024 NBA Draft Recap: Dalton Knecht and Bronny James Join the Team
July 2, 2024
Going into the 2024 NBA Draft with the 17th and 55th picks, the Lakers were looking for players who could enhance perimeter and spot-up shooting while making immediate contributions to winning with long-term potential. Perimeter shooting has become an essential part of modern basketball, influencing spacing and three-point shooting efficiency that can control the flow of the game. This has been a struggle for the team during the last few seasons, especially in the playoffs, so it was crucial to identify players who could immediately impact the team’s offense with potential for future growth.
Dalton Knecht, a guard out of Tennessee, was selected with the 17th overall pick, addressing an immediate and future need for the franchise. Standing at 6’6″, he played two seasons at Northern Colorado Junior College before starring at Tennessee in 2023-24, where he averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Knecht also boasted a 39.7% shooting accuracy from 3-point range and brings established defensive capabilities, providing valuable 3-and-D skills that the Lakers have been seeking for the past few seasons.
Bronny James, a guard out of USC, was selected in the second round with the 55th overall pick, this was seen as a strategic selection based on long-term potential and development. This is a huge accomplishment especially after his basketball future was up in the air after suffering from cardiac arrest less than a year ago. Bronny made his way back during the college season last year, and played limited minutes for USC where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans. The Lakers’ player development system will be pivotal with developing his skillset and in allowing him to carve out his path in the NBA.
Bronny James faces the pressure of continuing his family’s legacy, but he has demonstrated the character and work ethic necessary for growth. The dynamic of having a father-son duo (LeBron James and Bronny James) playing simultaneously in the NBA also adds an intriguing chapter to the Lakers’ franchise history.