The Los Angeles Lakers made waves during the 2024 NBA Draft not only because of Bronny James. On Day 1, the Lakers scooped up Tennessee star Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick.
Given how the former Volunteers standout was considered by some experts as a potential Top 10 pick, the Lakers were lucky that Knecht was still available on the board when it was their turn to draft in the first round. So much so, that more than a few folks out there consider the 23-year-old to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Dalton Knecht Picks No. 4

The Lakers officially introduced their rookies on Wednesday, which included both Knecht and Bronny announcing their chosen jersey numbers. For his part, Knecht went with the No. 4:
“I knew eventually I probably would have to run into the No. 4 but 3 has been my number my whole life,” he said. “3, [Anthony Davis] got it, so why not do Knecht 4? Why not?”
"3, AD's got it, so why not do Knecht 4?"
No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht on pairing his number with his nickname 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/GQqkucGqaX
— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024

There was no way Davis was giving up his No. 3 jersey to a rookie, which is why Knecht had to settle for the No. 4. He is well aware of the implications of the same, and it is clear that he is more than happy to embrace his new nickname, Knecht 4, which is a reference to the popular kids’ game Connect 4.
Despite being forced to part ways with his beloved No. 3, however, you can be sure that Knecht will still be supplying the Lakers with a myriad of 3-pointers in his debut season. His sharpshooting prowess is one of Knecht’s biggest assets, and it is also why LA has some high hopes for this young man.

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