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Brad Penner-USA Today Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers secured some quality talent in the 2024 NBA Draft. With possession of the 17th and 55th picks in the draft, the Lakers were able to gain two quality names that can make an impact on this roster.
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and newly named Head Coach JJ Redick came into the draft to address some quality needs for their roster.
The Lakers selected Tennessee Volunteers guard Dalton Knecht at pick 17 and followed up by securing USC Trojans guard Bronny James Jr. at 55 in the second round.
These two picks were some strong selections that will provide a lot of versatility and depth for the Lakers.
Knecht falling outside the lottery shocked the Lakers, as he was projected on some board's top 10 in the draft. Bronny has the chance to be a part of history by being the first father-son duo on the same team in the NBA.
Dalton Knecht and his upside for the Lakeshow!
Knecht being selected at number 17 is a player ready to be plugged into the Lakers lineup. At 6’6 he was a key contributor for Tennessee averaging 21.7 points per game.
During the 2023-24 season with the Volunteers Knecht was honored as a Consensus first-team All-American and SEC Player of the Year. The Lakers get an ample three-point shooter who plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Knecht being a shooting specialist will provide a scoring boost surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Being a movement shooter will give tremendous value to Knecht’s utility. He will be coached under a shooting-focused coach in JJ Redick who will unlock a new level of shooting.
Bronny James will have to quiet the critics.
Despite all the antics that surrounded Bronny James, he remained consistent and found himself drafted by the Lakers. After declaring for the draft following an underwhelming season for the USC Trojans, Bronny still believed he was set for the big stage.
James Jr. only worked out with two teams in the pre-draft process, including the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. There was a lot of speculation surrounding whether Bronny would even get drafted.
Bronny James might not be a jaw-dropping player, but there is potential for him to be a good player. At 6’2 Bronny has the opportunity to solidify himself as a primary defensive-minded player and off-ball scorer.
Redick and his coaching staff will provide a development plan that puts Bronny in a position to add value to their roster. LeBron James has a decision to make come free agency but if granted the opportunity to suit up on the same court as his son it will be such a surreal moment.
Bronny hopes to find his niche through the NBA Summer League while also taking time to develop his skills that will be valued while on the Lakers roster.
The road ahead for the Lakers
The NBA Summer League will be huge for Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Both players will be able to get game reps at becoming contributing factors come the fall with the Lakers.
Knecht will look to show teams that passed up on him why he has tremendous upside. Bronny will be looking to build a name for himself through his hard work ethic.
The Lakers will be looking to make additional roster moves come free agency on June 30th. Look for the Lakers to make a big swing at continuing to sharpen the edges surrounding potentially LeBron James and big man Anthony Davis.
As for now, the purple and gold deserve a lot of credit for their selections in the 2024 NBA Draft.