'Anybody watch him?': What LeBron James once said about Dalton Knecht suggests Lakers have messed up

The New York Knicks have agreed to sign Dalton Knecht on a two-way deal from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 25-year-old was the Lakers’ No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2024 draft on the back of a brilliant season at the University of Tennessee.

Now, just two years later, he was shown the door by the Los Angeles giants, but it did not take long for other clubs to come calling. The Knicks have now got the deal done.

But was this the right call from the Lakers? If LeBron James’ comment from a couple of years ago is to be believed, the answer is a big no.

LeBron James accused other teams of messing up when LA Lakers signed Dalton Knecht

Before the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht was expected to be a top-10 or consensus lottery pick after his season at the University of Tennessee.

However, nobody picked him up, and he landed on the Los Angeles Lakers’ lap at No. 17.

Almost everybody in the game was in disbelief at the time, hailing the Lakers for pulling off an absolute steal in the draft by landing Knecht.

Even James, who was the superstar of the team, was in awe of the acquisition, and he even called Knecht his favourite player in college basketball apart from Bronny James.

He said at the time, as per Ben Golliver: “Throughout the course of the college season, Dalton, besides Bronny, was my favourite player in college basketball. I watched his games throughout the whole season.

“I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height, his demeanor that he played with. I’ve always kind of felt that his game would translate to the NBA.

“I did not think he would fall to 17 at all. So I didn’t think we would even have an opportunity to get him. But I’m glad he did. I’m glad he did. So I’m looking forward to that.”

When the season began, Knecht went on an incredible run in November 2024, and after a game in which he scored 37 points against the Utah Jazz, James accused 16 teams who passed on him of messing it up.

He said, as per Fox Sports: “They (Lakers) didn’t find DK. The other 16 teams f***** it up. Did anybody watch him? S***!”

Knecht’s stock has fallen over the last 18 months, but his talent is unquestionable. The fact that one of the greatest players ever has spoken so highly of him is enough evidence.

James thought 16 teams messed up when they passed on Knecht in 2024. Now, the Lakers may have done the exact same thing after waiving him.

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