Lakers Icon Magic Johnson Endorses 'Outstanding' Dalton Knecht Pick in 2024 NBA Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers landed one of the biggest steals of the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday by selecting former Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht, and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson is a fan of the pick.

Johnson took to social media to praise the Lakers for choosing Knecht, calling the pick "outstanding" and adding that the sharpshooting guard is "just what the Lakers need."

Knecht was projected to be a lottery pick after averaging 21.7 points while shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc this past season. ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported that Knecht's tumble down the draft board was due to teams being wary about his age, as he turned 23 in April.

Still, Lakers fans were more than pleased with the addition of Knecht, believing that he could be a key contributor during his rookie year alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. General manager Rob Pelinka even told reporters after Wednesday's first round that newly hired head coach JJ Redick immediately started drawing up plays for Knecht after the team landed him.

All signs point to Knecht playing a major role for the Lakers next season and having a strong career in Los Angeles.