The ongoing NBA draft is bringing with it some unexpected surprises and memorable moments. With several of the franchises having exhausted their top pick options on players like Stephon Castle, Zach Edey, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, etc, it was time for the Los Angeles Lakers to make their pick. As part of the 17 overall pick, the franchise went ahead with 23-year-old Dalton Knecht. Having devoted over five years playing for three different college basketball teams, the experienced individual has now become the highest-drafted player to have been trained under Tennessee Volunteers coach Rick Barnes.

According to reports, Knecht was overlooked during his tenure at Northern Colorado, which prevented him from entering the NBA before. However, by developing his scoring capabilities at Tennessee, the player was able to generate significant interest from NBA scouts. Although a couple of individuals, including Yahoo Sports reporter Krysten Peek, had him being taken as the 6 overall pick in the draft, getting chosen within the top 20 still is an achievement.

Unfortunately, this feat of his is currently getting overshadowed over the fact that the Lakers chose to select him and not Bronny James, son of the team’s leading scorer LeBron James. Fans on social media quickly came online to share their disdain at the Lakers not utilizing their pick on Bronny. One fan did not choose to mince words and outright stated “We wanted Bronny”.

Being LeBron James’ son, the 19-year-old Bronny has had the spotlight on him ever since he declared his intention to put his name in the NBA draft. Despite his name and his genes, however, the young player was not a top prospect going in. For one thing, his college stats were nothing short of abysmal, and his cardiac arrest from last year put his health at serious risk.

Despite this, speculations stating that the Lakers would be willing to take him in if it meant that the father-son duo could get the chance to represent them on the court together, floated around. However, their seriousness in doing the same has now been brought up due to their recent decision to go with Dalton Knecht.

Fans React to Bronny James getting snubbed over Dalton Knecht

Taking to social media, one of the fans shared his reaction on the Lakers’ selection. While not choosing to name Knecht at all, he merely highlighted how he’s going to prevent himself from going to the bathroom until Bronny finally gets to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a part of the NBA. Another individual highlighted his reaction in all caps, highlighting just how upset he is at Bronny not being selected as the 17th overall pick by the Lakers.

The first round of the NBA Draft ended with Bronny James not being selected by any team. Fortunately, the Lakers will receive another chance to select him since they also possess the 55 overall pick in the draft. According to LeBron James’s agent, Rich Paul, the young player was going into the process with a realistic mindset. Therefore, it reportedly doesn’t matter to him which team selects him, so long as his name gets called. Even if the Lakers choose to not go along with their plan to pair the father and son, Bronny can still be taken in by the Phoenix Suns or the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Even though his expectations may be on the down-low, it still would be justified for LeBron’s son to be a little unimpressed. The same was highlighted by another social media user, who made use of a Homelander meme to justify just how the young star would be feeling.

When Knecht had no offers coming out of high school, no one would have expected him to be the 17 pick by not just any franchise but the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the player worked upon his game, placing special emphasis on his shooting skills. This allowed him to become the SEC Player of the Year and go with elite players like Zach Edey, who went to the Memphis Grizzles as the 9 overall pick. Selecting someone like Knecht may be what new NBA head coach JJ Redick would have in mind, as he looks to change the team to his standards for the next season.

Overall, the reactions were dismissive of Dalton Knecht’s achievement. Instead of singing the praise of the new member of the Lakers, fans were more focused on when Bronny James will get his coveted moment.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.