Former Tennessee basketball superstar officially signed his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Knecht was projected to be a top-ten pick, but 15 franchises ahead of LA got cold feet because Knecht is 23 years old. The Lakers were excited to take Knecht at No. 17 because he's one of the best shooters in the draft class despite his age.
He also inked his rookie contract, signing a four-year, $18.4 million deal with the Lakers. His contract also prohibits the Lakers from trading him over the next 30 days.
After signing his rookie deal, Knecht attended his rookie press conference with Bronny James, the Lakers' second-round draft pick, and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
He addressed the number change as an NBA rookie. Knecht has been No. 3 his entire life, but with all-star Anthony Davis holding that number, Knecht chose to play into his nickname "Knecht Four" with his NBA number.
"I knew eventually I would probably have to run into the number four," Knecht said. "Three has been my number my whole life. AD got it, so why not do Knecht four?"
"3, AD's got it, so why not do Knecht 4?"
— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024
No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht on pairing his number with his nickname 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/GQqkucGqaX
Numbers are important for professional athletes. Every year, we see rookies across multiple sports offer thousands of dollars for an active player's number. Knecht won't have to worry about those negotiations as a rookie with the Lakers.
Knecht also talked about his path to the NBA, which was unconventional compared to the often one-and-done model by many top NBA rookies.
"Ever since I touched a basketball, I knew I could do it," Knecht said. "It was just a matter of how. My journey's not like everyone else's. Creating my path is something special, and a lot of kids will look up to it."
His tie to Lakers head coach almost seems like it was meant to be with Knecht and new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Knecht mentioned he and Rick Barnes would watch film of Redick coming off screens to improve DK's playmaking.
#VFL Dalton Knecht says he spent time with Rick Barnes watching film of JJ Redick coming off of screens. Now, Redick is Knecht's head coach. #Vols pic.twitter.com/D12OUV7Q5i
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) July 2, 2024
Knecht has a bright future and high potential with the Lakers. Between Pelinka and Redick, the Lakers are excited to have him, and new teammates, including LeBron James, have boasted about Knecht in the past.
Knecht will be in action during the NBA Summer League with Bronny James in the California Classic on July 6 at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN.