He’s a big fan.
LeBron James wasn’t planning on having the opportunity to play with one of his favorite players from the college level, but Dalton Knecht’s slide provided him with that opportunity. The SEC Player of the Year tumbled down to 17th overall, reportedly due to age and defensive concerns.
He ended up landing with a contender, and the opportunity to play out the final few years of James’ career in Los Angeles.
James was thrilled with the result.
“I didn’t know he would fall to 17, at all,” James said this weekend, “so I didn’t think we would have an opportunity to get him. But I’m glad we did. I’m glad we did.”
Knecht set the college basketball world on fire in his one season in Knoxville, averaging 21.7 points per game and shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range. The Northern Colorado transfer had several 35+ point performances, completely taking over game after game for the Volunteers.
James was certainly paying attention.
“Throughout the course of the college season, Dalton, besides Bronny (James), was my favorite player in college basketball,” James said. “I watched his games throughout the whole season.”
The Lakers, of course, selected Bronny James with their second round pick one day after taking Knecht. Bronny averaged just 4.8 points per game last season at USC.
Knecht’s attitude and shooting caught James’ eye last season.
“I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height, his demeanor that he played with,” James said. “I’ve always kind of felt like his game would translate to the NBA.”
Knecht has scored 12 points in each of his first two NBA Summer League games. He’s struggled shooting to start, but he’s been able to get to the rim and hit 10-14 from the free throw stripe. Knecht added four assists on Saturday against the Kings to go along with two steals. He added two more steals against the Warriors on Sunday.
The Lakers continue Summer League action on Wednesday against the Heat (ESPN2).