Sitting next to ESPN analyst turned NBA head coach JJ Redick and son of Lebron James, Bronny James, former Tennessee superstar Dalton Knecht fielded questions from a packed media section on Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles.
Knecht had Lakers GM Rob Pelinka to his right, Bronny James to his left, and JJ Redick to his far left during the 25-minute press conference.
Many of the questions were naturally given to James with his family status and unique draft process. Still, though, the media gave Knecht attention as well as a unique story in his own right. The collegiate journeyman was projected to be a lottery pick but fell back to the Lakers at No. 17, simultaneously cementing Knecht as the slide of the draft and the steal of the draft.
Knecht now joins a Lakers team that is looking to gear up for a major playoff run with Lebron James’s career winding down. The former Tennessee guard gives Los Angeles a mature perimeter shooter who will flourish in his role and not be a distraction on or off the court. One man’s slide is another team’s steal, and that was certainly the case with Knecht and the Lakers.
Knecht briefly spoke about his excitement to jump into action during the California Classic and Summer League action, what improvements he is trying to make before the season, getting to know his new teammates such as Lebron James and Anthony Davis, and much more.
More from RTI: What Tennessee Basketball’s Rotation Could Look Like Next Season
Here’s a look at the details from the press conference for ease of listening:
1:05 – Knecht on NBA Draft process, reacting to Lakers’ selection
2:30 – JJ Redick on Knecht
4:15 – Knecht on Summer League expectations
5:50 – Knecht on first week after being drafted
7:20 – Areas of improvement entering the league
8:40 – Knecht on playing for JJ Redick
12:00 – Knecht playing with a chip on his shoulder
13:40 – Knecht on No. 4 and Knecht Four nickname
17:50 – Knecht on his journey through college to the NBA
