LeBron James didn’t hold back when discussing the NBA Draft decision that saw rookie Dalton Knecht fall to the Los Angeles Lakers at the 17th pick. Following the Lakers’ 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz, James expressed his disbelief in Knecht’s late selection in a post-game interview.
With Rui Hachimura sidelined by injury, Dalton Knecht stepped into the Lakers’ starting lineup and delivered an electrifying performance. Scoring 37 points, Knecht tied the rookie record with nine three-pointers, leading the Lakers to a 124-118 victory over the Jazz.
LeBron James on the Lakers front office drafting Dalton Knecht: “They didn’t find DK … the other 16 teams f—-ed it up” pic.twitter.com/agmO547mnW
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 20, 2024
In the post-game interview, LeBron James heaped praise on Knecht, calling out teams for overlooking him in the draft. He said, “They [The Lakers front office] didn’t find DK [Lakers guard Dalton Knecht]. The other 16 teams f—ed it up. Anybody watch him? S–t! They just didn’t f–k it up. You don’t ‘find’ a SEC player of the year.”
King James praised Knecht’s performance and expressed gratitude that the Lakers were able to draft him. He also conceded surprise that Knecht dropped to No. 17, saying, “Everybody on the Internet called me a liar all the time. What am I now?”
LeBron on Dalton Knecht: "Everybody on the internet calls me a liar all the time… What am I now? I've been said it.. I watched Tennessee a lot. I did not think he was going to fall to us… I have no idea how that happened but very grateful and very happy that he's here." pic.twitter.com/dIQ4CxQMjZ
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 20, 2024
Fans celebrate Rookie Dalton Knecht’s stunning showdown
The Lakers’ rookie, Dalton Knecht, had fans cheering after his stellar performance in their 124-118 win. With LeBron James personally praising Knecht’s sharp shooting and impact, fans are even more excited about his potential.
@bnj: “37 points on 16 FGs and 4 FTs is diabolical.”
37 points on 16 FGs and 4 FTs is diabolical
— Ben South (@bnj) November 20, 2024
@SonicsMuse: “Rookie of the Year. Simple.”
Rookie of the Year.
— SonicsMuse (@SonicsMuse) November 20, 2024
Simple.
@2HUNNID6TAY: “Crazy he’s better than Kobe as a rookie 🫣.”
Crazy he’s better than Kobe as a rookie 🫣
— Tay Supreme (@2HUNNID6TAY) November 20, 2024
@dgsire: “Dalton is the best rookie of all time.”
dalton is the best rookie of all time
— desire (@dgsire) November 20, 2024
@stephaniepicks: “This boy is a Game changer.”
