The offseason hasn’t been kind to the Los Angeles Lakers. They failed to hit many of the individuals they wanted, be it in the head coaching department or their big free-agent targets. This trend of disappointing news is bad for a franchise that aims to make a mad dash for the NBA championship next season.
However, there is a bright—regardless of how minuscule—spot in the roster in rookie Dalton Knecht. The former Northern Colorado and Tennessee guard is widely believed to be one of the most exciting acquisitions the Lakers have made this summer.

Not only is he looking to be a great fit for what the Purple and Gold want, but he may already have the personality to survive in the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena. One former player even went out of his way to say that Knecht will be one of the most outstanding players in this year’s underwhelming rookie class.
Theo Pinson praises Los Angeles Lakers’ Dalton Knecht as the steal of the 2024 Draft

Theo Pinson may not be a name many people are familiar with, but he’s had a couple of years of NBA experience under his belt. His career took him to New York and Dallas, seeing a total of 127 NBA games on the bench.
While he may not be a household name, you can count on Pinson to have a good opinion on what it takes to be successful in the NBA.
He made a bold declaration in a recent To The Baha appearance that Knecht has the potential to surprise everyone once the 2024-25 season begins.
“The steal of the draft? Lakers (with) Knecht… from Tennessee. He’s a bucket! I would’ve taken him first pick… He’s a dog, bro. He can play and he’s got bounce,” Pinson said, via Clutch Points.
Dalton’s college CV more than supports Pinson’s bold claim. The Thornton, CO native averaged 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in his three years of D1 basketball. Standing at 6’6″, he has the frame to guard multiple positions. He also has a decent shooting stroke, netting 46.1% FG and 38.3% 3FG.
While actual NBA game time would determine whether Dalton Knecht is a good pick-up, the optics are looking good for the Lakers with this one.

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