Lakers’ Draft Strategy: Knecht Emerges as Key Role Player

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers, often expected to trade draft picks for immediate roster upgrades, have instead used their last two first-round selections to build for the future. In 2023, they chose Jalen Hood-Schifino, and in 2024, they picked Dalton Knecht, both with the 17th overall pick. While Hood-Schifino has struggled to make an impact, Knecht has shown promise as a potential high-caliber role player.

Knecht, a former standout at the University of Tennessee, was projected to be a top-10 pick but fell to the Lakers at No. 17. The Lakers’ scouting department initially had their sights set on Bub Carrington, who was selected 14th by the Portland Trail Blazers and later traded to the Washington Wizards. “Around the time Pitt’s Bub Carrington — a player the Lakers had coveted, sources told ESPN — went No. 14 to the Portland Trail Blazers, Knecht started to look like a real possibility,” a source revealed.

Despite being early in their careers, Knecht appears to be a better fit alongside Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His ability to knock down 3-pointers at a high volume is crucial for a team that relies heavily on its stars to attract defensive attention. Knecht has already had notable scoring performances, including a 37-point game against the Utah Jazz.

Carrington, meanwhile, is having a solid rookie season with the Wizards, but the Lakers would have needed to trade up to secure him. With Knecht available at No. 17, the Lakers are content with their choice, despite the rookie’s ups and downs. “There simply has not been a movement shooter of Dalton Knecht’s level in the entire LeBron James and Anthony Davis era with the Lakers,” an analyst noted.

Shooters have been a hit-or-miss for the Lakers in recent years, but Knecht, at 23, seems to be filling that void effectively, despite a recent shooting slump. While it’s still early in his career, his potential as a reliable scorer and shooter offers hope for the Lakers’ future.