BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Dalton Knecht smiles after being drafted seventeenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers during the first round during the 2024 NBA Draft - Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images

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

Doric SamJun 27, 2024

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."

TOP NEWS

With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback falls short in Game 7 loss to 76ers

Bleacher Report1w

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.