Stephen A. Smith Issues Clear 7-Word Take on Lakers’ NBA Draft Selection
Count ESPN's Stephen A. Smith among the collection of NBA fans in support of the Lakers' first-round pick on Wednesday night.
At No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Tennessee standout Dalton Knecht. The Volunteers' senior averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season on 45.8 percent shooting (39.7 percent from deep).
Stephen A., who prior to the pick urged L.A. to draft a shooter, appeared to be ecstatic for Lakers fans after hearing Knecht's name called by Adam Silver.
"This is Knecht. I love the name, by the way... this is the pick you were supposed to get," Smith began.
"Way to go, Lakers! Way to go."
Knecht played just one season at Tennessee following two years at Division 2 program Northern Colorado.
He began his collegiate career at Northeastern (junior college).
Tennessee Volunteers guard Dalton Knecht (3) holds up three fingers to celebrate a three-point basket Sunday, March 31, 2024, during the midwest regional championship at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Tennessee Volunteers, 72-66. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Barring a trade, the Lakers' next selection in the 2024 NBA Draft will come at No. 55 overall.