This Lakers season has been all about the James family. With LeBron and Bronny creating history by becoming the first active father-son duo in the league, all eyes are on them. But while they continue to make headlines, there is another young Lakers star who has caught everyone’s attention. Yes, we are talking about Dalton Knecht. Displaying his clutch gene in the preseason, he has been very impressive so far. And the rookie is beginning to reap the benefits of his talent as he has joined the Jordan brand family while Bronny continues to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

As per the latest report by Nick DePaula, Knecht has signed with the $7 billion brand along with other star rookies including Jared McCain, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Stephon Castle.

Well, it should not come as a surprise because Dalton’s veteran leader LeBron James has been a “Nike Guy” ever since he joined the league. Even Bronny signed a NIL deal with the Swoosh brand two years ago, right before his freshman year at USC. And he was joined by other college hoopers, including Caitlin Clark and Juju Watkins.

Moreover, Bronny continues to be a Nike athlete even after going pro and he recently starred in a hilarious ad for the sneaker brand with daddy James. Sure enough, he can wear any Nike shoes he wants and was recently spotted wearing an unreleased ‘EYBL Peach Jam’ colorway of Devin Booker’s signature sneakers. And now, Dalton will also be seen repping various Jordan brand sneakers during games.

‘Cannon’ Dalton Knecht’s performance that garnered praise from LeBron James

Well, Knecht’s performance in the preseason, especially the game against the Suns, might have played a part in him getting the Jordan deal. While he had been getting media attention ever since the Lakers drafted him, that performance officially put him on the map as one of the best rookies of this class. Taking over in a close game, Dalton hit a game-tying three to force overtime. Then, he scored the first thirteen Lakers points in the added minutes to seal the game for his team.

Sure enough, everyone was impressed with the rookie’s 35-point clutch performance, including LeBron James. “Cannon!!!!!!! That boy COLD!!!” LBJ wrote on Instagram. Meanwhile, JJ Redick put him in an elite tier of shooters, “Reggie [Miller] and I were talking before the game and he was like, ‘It’s high praise to say he’s in the top 1% of shooters…’ Well, nah, he’s in the top 1%… That was supernatural what he just did.” Moreover, the Laker Nation instantly fell in love with the 23-year-old, as Snoop Dogg even nicknamed him Westside Knecht. With his rapid rise in popularity, it was evident that he would get a sneaker deal soon. And now, Dalton can call himself a Jordan athlete.