Lakers’ Dalton Knecht Holding Grudges After NBA Draft Snubs

Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers’ standout rookie, isn’t afraid to call out those who passed on him during the 2024 NBA Draft. As the 17th overall pick, Knecht has quickly become one of the brightest stars in a draft class that has underwhelmed so far this season. Many teams overlooked him, mostly due to his age of 23, but those decisions are looking questionable now. Knecht has proven himself as one of the most impressive rookies of the 2024-25 NBA season and has set his sights on winning Rookie of the Year.

Dalton Knecht’s Rise in the NBA

When Knecht was first drafted, he was seen mostly as a three-point shooter, someone who could come off the bench for the Lakers and provide a quick scoring option. Fast forward a few weeks, and Knecht is now starting alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His transformation from a perimeter shooter to a dynamic contributor has been nothing short of remarkable.

In his first 20 games, Knecht has recorded at least 14 points in seven of his last 10 games, including a career-high 37 points against the Utah Jazz on November 19, where he hit nine three-pointers. Knecht has quickly proven that he can be a valuable asset for the Lakers this season, with his shooting ability and energy bringing life to the team.

A Rookie with a Chip on His Shoulder

What makes Knecht even more dangerous is his mentality. Having been overlooked by multiple teams in the draft, he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. In particular, during a matchup against the Utah Jazz, Knecht was eager to show that he was the better player when compared to fellow rookie Cody Williams, who was drafted 10th overall by the Jazz—a position many thought Knecht would land in. Though Knecht holds no personal ill will toward Williams, he’s made it his mission to prove that he was the better choice for any team that passed on him.

“I’ve memorized all the names of the players picked before me,” Knecht said. “Every team, everything.”

Dalton Knecht’s Impact on the Lakers

What sets Knecht apart is his understanding of his role with the Lakers. He’s not trying to overshadow LeBron James or Anthony Davis but instead focuses on fitting in and making the team better. His sharpshooting from beyond the arc, an area in which the Lakers have struggled in recent years, has made him one of the most important secondary players for Lakers coach JJ Redick.

In just 20 games, Knecht has made 48 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 42.9% from deep. He ranks second on the Lakers in both made three-pointers and three-point shooting percentage, trailing only Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, respectively.

Proving the Doubters Wrong

Knecht’s motivation to prove everyone who passed on him wrong adds a fiery edge to his game. He’s not just playing to make the Lakers better; he’s playing to show that he was the steal of the 2024 NBA Draft. And, as the numbers suggest, he’s doing just that. Knecht currently ranks fourth in total points and third in points per game among all rookies in the NBA, with the most three-pointers made by any first-year player this season.

“Teams passed up on me, and the Lakers thought they got the steal of the draft. And they did,” Knecht said confidently.

Conclusion: The Steal of the 2024 NBA Draft

Say what you will about the 2024 NBA Draft, but Dalton Knecht is proving to be one of its biggest surprises. From a bench shooter to a key starter for the Los Angeles Lakers, Knecht has established himself as one of the most exciting rookies in the league. With his determination, skill set, and ability to contribute immediately, it’s clear that Knecht is not just a player to watch—he’s a player who is destined to make a major impact for years to come.