EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Dalton Knecht #4; LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 30, 2024 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. 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 Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James Praises Dalton Knecht After Lakers Preseason Debut: He's 'Ready' for NBA

Zach BacharOct 5, 2024

LeBron James was impressed with the preseason debut of Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht on Friday night.

"He's a pro," James said, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. "He's ready to go now."

Knecht dropped 16 points in 25 minutes during the Lakers' 124-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He added three rebounds and two assists while shooting 7-13 from the field.

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It wasn't a perfect night for Knecht, as he committed five turnovers and connected on just two of his seven attempts from behind the arc. Still, it was an impressive performance for the first preseason contest of his NBA career.

The Lakers selected the 23-year-old with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 draft. He thrived in his senior season at Tennessee, averaging 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game on 45.8/39.7/77.2 shooting splits.

James has praised Knecht in the past, calling him his favorite player in college basketball last season. Other than his son, Bronny, of course.

Although the Lakers have playoff aspirations, Knecht should still be able to carve out a role in the rotation as a rookie due to his shooting proficiency as well as his ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own offense.

He'll look to continue his strong start to the preseason in Los Angeles' next game, a matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Tip-off is at 9:30 p.m. ET.