LeBron James: Dalton Knecht 'Was My Favorite Player' in CBB, 'Glad' He Fell to Lakers
July 6, 2024
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James told reporters that former Tennessee star and new teammate Dalton Knecht was his favorite college basketball player to watch (other than his son Bronny James) last season.
The Lakers selected Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick in the NBA draft before adding Bronny James at No. 55. Both players made their summer league debut on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings.
It's easy to see why James is such a big fan of Knecht. The 23-year-old earned SEC Player of the Year and Consensus first-team All-American honors last season, averaging 21.7 points on 45.7 percent shooting (39.7 percent from three) and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Knecht led the Vols to an appearance in the Elite Eight, where they fell to eventual national runner-up Purdue.
James referenced that game a few months ago, saying he watched the Purdue vs. Tennessee game because of Knecht and Boilermaker big man (and now Memphis Grizzlies rookie) Zach Edey.
Tanner Johnson @JohnsonTanner23LeBron James said that he watched Tennessee play in the Elite Eight because of Dalton Knecht. <br><br>"We watched that Purdue-Tennessee game because of Zach Edey and Knecht."<br><br>Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/mcten?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mcten</a> <a href="https://t.co/HTKnOJRqsX">pic.twitter.com/HTKnOJRqsX</a>
Knecht could be a great fit on a Lakers team that needs more scoring and outside shooting around James and Anthony Davis. It's clear James is a big fan, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Knecht make a key impact in the rotation in year one for new head coach JJ Redick.
