An inside look at the Lakers landing Dalton Knecht and where they go from here

Dalton Knecht can help right now. He fits perfectly in JJ Redick's conceptual system and potentially pushes D'Angelo Russell one step closer to the door.

Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers had the center position circled as an area of need and had every intention of drafting one, according to sources close to the situation speaking on the condition of anonymity. Yves Missi, Zach Edey, and DaRon Holmes were all prospects the Lakers felt filled an immediate need at backup center, and that was the goal of the first round. Then, Dalton Knecht fell down the draft and somehow, L.A. had an opportunity to fill another desperate need: shooting.

So, the Lakers pivoted from their initial top priority and took the best player available. Rob Pelinka was positively glowing after the Lakers made the pick:

"We never would've imagined a player as skilled and perfect for our needs would be there for us as Dalton Knecht. We had him as a top-10 player unanimously across our scouting boards."

(A quick note: No one believes Pelinka’s story that upon drafting Knecht, his rookie coach spontaneously combusted into a moment of strategic creation)

Luck is often overlooked in team building but when things go your way, the ability to adjust and take advantage is critical. Knecht's age scared away 16 teams ahead of the Lakers. There were also teams that don't need the immediate impact Knecht will provide and opted for players will more upside. Those decisions helped the Lakers land a shooter who can play right now.

One factor in how perfect a fit Knecht is for JJ Redick's system is how Knecht fits next to Austin Reaves.

Last season, people throughout the organization often wondered about Reaves' role under Darvin Ham. Was he a point guard? Was he a shooting guard? Where would his shots come from as D'Angelo Russell also wanted time on the ball and the two guards shared a court with LeBron James, who obviously needed touches of his own.

This year, sources say Redick views Reaves more as a point guard and will have Reaves handle more of the offense from the onset of camp. Ideally, if Reaves can handle those responsibilities, it frees up the two-spot for Max Christie who the Lakers are looking to bring back and expand his role. Knecht and Christie will compete for minutes, but with Reaves moving primarily to point, there should be enough to go around for both the young wings.