The Los Angeles Lakers have had an uneventful summer. They have yet to sign a free agent or make a major trade to turn things around, and all signs point to them entering the new season with virtually the same team.
While the Lakers may have missed out on free agency and trade, they may have found a rare gem in the NBA draft. While Lakers rookie guard Bronny James is the center of attention heading into the draft and throughout the Summer League, rookie guard Dalton Knecht could be a big player for the Lakers right out of the gate.
Knecht showed what he can bring to the Lakers during Summer League, and if all goes well, he’ll be a vital part of head coach JJ Redick’s tenure with Los Angeles. The former Tennessee guard should have a big year, at least according to BetOnline’s latest Rookie of the Year odds.
According to BetOnlineKnecht has the seventh-best chance to win the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
The six players ahead of Knecht in the latest odds are Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Wizards center Alex Sarr, Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher, Grizzlies center Zach Edey and Rockets guard Reed Sheppard.
The Lakers selected Knecht out of Tennessee with the 17th overall pick. Knecht was projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft in June at worst; instead, he lands in Los Angeles and could compete for a championship right out of the gate if the Lakers stay healthy this season.
If given the opportunity, Knecht could be a contender for Rookie of the Year. He can score in all three phases of the game and has proven himself to be a willing defender.
Knecht will have plenty of opportunities to score, as all the attention will be on Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 23-year-old has proven he can score with the best of them, leading the SEC in scoring with 21.7 points per game in his lone season at Tennessee. At 6’2”, he has a chance to be a key player for the Lakers, providing offensive and defensive power to a team that desperately needs both outside of the Lakers’ superstars.
Knecht is a basketball addict who loves the game and will do whatever he can to take advantage of every opportunity.
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