Lakers' Draft Pick Dalton Knecht Is Apparently A Nuggets Fan

The Lakers, who have faced the Nuggets in the last two playoffs, have had a tough time against them. They were swept in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and lost in five games in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. 

The Lakers have struggled mightily against the Nuggets, losing 12 of their last 13 matchups, including an 11-game losing streak. This history makes Knecht's apparent fandom for the Nuggets a curious backdrop as he begins his NBA career with the Lakers.

Despite this, Knecht's basketball talents are undeniable. The Lakers selected him with the 17th overall pick, and he is expected to bring a significant boost to their roster. Knecht, a 6-foot-5 guard from Tennessee, averaged 21.7 points per game in college while shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc. 

His scoring ability and proficiency from three-point range make him a valuable asset for the Lakers, who are aiming to improve their offensive firepower.

New Lakers head coach JJ Redick has already shown enthusiasm for Knecht's potential. After the draft, Lakers' vice president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, mentioned that Redick was immediately drawing up plays for Knecht, highlighting his excitement about integrating the new talent into the team's strategy. 

Knecht's addition to the team has also received a nod of approval from Lakers superstar LeBron James. A video of LeBron praising Knecht's performance in a college game against Purdue went viral after the draft. James' endorsement adds a layer of credibility to Knecht's selection, suggesting that the veteran sees potential in the young guard.

While Knecht's past tweets might raise eyebrows among Lakers fans, his skills on the court are expected to speak louder. His ability to score and shoot from long-range aligns perfectly with the Lakers' needs. As he embarks on his professional career, Knecht will have the opportunity to prove his worth and perhaps shift his loyalty fully to the Lakers, contributing to their quest for another championship.

The Lakers Took The First Step In Getting Back Into Contention 

The Los Angeles Lakers took a significant first step in their journey back to NBA contention by making a savvy choice in the 2024 NBA Draft. After a disappointing selection last year with Jalen Hood-Schifino over more promising prospects like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandin Podziemski, and Cam Whitmore, the Lakers redeemed themselves by picking Dalton Knecht, widely regarded as the steal of the draft. 

Knecht, a dynamic scorer, and proficient three-point shooter is expected to bring immediate value to the team, addressing a critical need for offensive firepower.

Knecht’s selection marks the beginning of the Lakers' efforts to rebuild their roster. Tomorrow, they hold the 55th pick in the second round, with strong indications that they will draft Bronny James. Adding Bronny could not only bolster the team’s depth but also strengthen their chances of retaining LeBron James, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise.

Re-signing LeBron James is another crucial step in the Lakers' plan to return to championship contention. The team is reportedly offering him a three-year, $160 million contract, and there is widespread optimism that he will accept the offer. Securing LeBron’s commitment is vital for maintaining stability and leadership within the team.

Beyond the draft and re-signing LeBron, the Lakers must focus on building a competitive roster. This could involve either acquiring a third star to complement LeBron and Anthony Davis or assembling a robust supporting cast of quality role players. The goal is to create a well-rounded team capable of challenging the top contenders in the Western Conference.

The Lakers' recent moves indicate a clear strategy to return to prominence. By addressing past mistakes and making calculated decisions in the draft, they have positioned themselves to strengthen their roster significantly. 

The upcoming draft pick, the potential re-signing of LeBron James, and strategic acquisitions during the off-season will be critical in determining whether the Lakers can reclaim their status as one of the NBA’s elite teams. The journey back to contention is just beginning, but the Lakers have made promising strides in the right direction.