Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick were over the moon when Dalton Knecht dropped to the 17th pick on Draft Night. As were the Laker Nation. With the arrival of the ex-Tennessee sharpshooter, the Purple & Gold would now be able to address their glaring weakness – shooting. In fact, two preseason games in, and fans are pretty much sold on the idea that Knecht will indeed be an offensively competent player.

Then again, in his sole season as a super senior with the Vols, Dalton had put up an impressive stat line and performance. He averaged 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, leading Tennessee to an SEC regular season title as well as their first Elite Eight appearance since 2010.

Hence, it was pretty much expected for Dalton Knecht to contribute right away. And suffice it to say, he has been doing it pretty well. As such, his $18.5 million rookie scale contract seems to be a good investment, does it not? So, why don’t we look a little deeper into the contract?

Detailed look at Dalton Knecht’s contract with the Los Angeles Lakers

As mentioned above, the North Dakota native has signed a rookie scale contract with the Purple & Gold for four years. As is common with first-round picks, teams can sign their first-rounders to as little as 80% of the set NBA rookie scale or up to 120%. Again, as is the norm, the first two years are guaranteed while the third and fourth are team options.

If Los Angeles wishes to retain Dalton Knecht, they can pick the team option. Of course, it depends on whether Knecht can deliver. Going back to the contract, out of his $18.5 million, $7.8 million is guaranteed money while his average salary comes to around $4.6M. For those looking for details, here’s how much he will earn each year. (credit: Spotrac)

Of course, had he been selected earlier in the draft as was projected, the financial compensation would have been also higher.

What would have happened had Knecht been selected higher?

For example, on draft morning, Dalton Knecht was projected to be picked by the Hornets at No. 6. If that would have happened, the ex-Bears forward would be signed to a four-year $34 million contract with $15.35 million guaranteed.

That’s more than what he would make in three seasons with Los Angeles. However, being a part of a storied dynasty like the Lakers has its perks. Especially, when you get to play alongside the ‘King’ himself. As mentioned above, he is coming in to fill a role the franchise desperately wants to seal as soon as possible. And perhaps, more importantly, with JJ Redick as his coach—one of the NBA’s greatest sharpshooters—Dalton Knecht gains a mentor with a similar skill set, maximizing his potential.

And improving his game seems to be on the mind of this Lakers rookie, too. In his introductory press conference with Bronny James, Knecht echoed the sentiment of the former. “Bronny says he’s focused on learning how to create his own shot and be more aggressive. Knecht says the same, and wants to show his all-around game,” Dan Woike of Los Angeles Times tweeted.

Hopefully, that’s exactly what the pair can do as the season continues.