Dalton Knecht Signs Rookie Deal with the Lakers
Dalton Knecht has officially signed his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected 17th overall in the recent NBA Draft. Despite being projected as a top ten pick, Knecht slipped down the draft due to concerns about his defense and age, ultimately landing with the Lakers.
Knecht’s contract has an average annual salary of $4.6 million, starting with $3.8 million for his rookie season in 2024-25. The Lakers hold club options for the third and fourth years of the deal, and Knecht will become a restricted free agent in 2028.
Standing at 6-6, Knecht is set to contribute to a team aiming for a playoff run, led by LeBron James in what could be his final push toward the NBA Finals. This also marks the first draft pick for new head coach JJ Redick.
Lakers VP of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, expressed excitement about Knecht’s potential: “I was joking with Coach Redick upstairs that we’ve found a movement shooter to match his skills as a player. His mind is already working on drawing up plays for Dalton.”
Knecht is expected to provide immediate offense and perimeter shooting for the Lakers. In his single season at Knoxville, he shot 39.7 percent from three-point range and averaged 21.7 points per game, with eight 30+ point games. Rick Barnes, his college coach, relied heavily on Knecht’s shooting and ability to attack the rim, leading to Knecht being named SEC Player of the Year and runner-up for National Player of the Year.
Knecht will debut in the NBA Summer League, starting this weekend for the Lakers. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday on ESPN, with games running through July 22nd.
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