LeBron James Talks Dalton Knecht Falls to Lakers in Draft: 16 Teams ‘F–ked It Up’ | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Dalton Knecht #4 while playing the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James heaped praise on rookie wing Dalton Knecht on Tuesday night after Knecht erupted for 37 points in a 124-118 win over the Utah Jazz.

After reporters asked James about the Lakers’ front office “finding” Knecht in the 2024 NBA draft at No. 17 overall, LeBron made it clear he thought it was more a case of teams getting ahead of the Lakers screwing up than LA finding a diamond in the rough:

Dave McMenamin @mcten

LeBron James on Lakers front office drafting Dalton Knecht: “They didn’t find DK … the other 16 teams picked it up” pic.twitter.com/agmO547mnW

“They didn’t find DK,” James said. “The other 16 teams f–k it up. Did anybody see him? S–t. They just don’t f–k it up. You don’t ‘find’ an SEC player of the year.”

As part of his 37 points, Knecht set the NBA rookie single-game three-point game record with nine, including 6-for-6 in the third quarter.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.