“Has a Chance to Start” – Magic Johnson Sees Perfect Draft Pick for Lakers in New Rookie

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson is not involved as an executive for the Los Angeles Lakers as he sold his 4.5% stake in 2010 for an estimated $29 million. Regardless, his love for Purple and Gold hasn’t dwindled. With yesterday’s draft, many questions were raised if the Lakers would draft Bronny James as the #17 pick. Instead, Rob Pelinka and Co. picked up the Tennessee player, and Magic Johnson couldn’t be happier.

Rob Pelinka said, “We would have never imagined a player as skilled and sort of perfect for our needs would be there for us, as is Dalton Knecht.” He further continued how highly he rated the Tennessee star. “We had him, you know, as a top 10 player unanimously across our scouting boards.” Even Magic Johnson had similar praise for Knecht.

He took to X to assess the Dalton Knecht pick. “Laker Nation, outstanding pick last night by our Lakers selecting Dalton Knecht – I love it!” The 6’5 foot forward has great sharpshooting skills and Magic was quick to point that out. “Dalton is just what the Lakers need, a deadly 3-point shooter/scorer who is physically tough and has swag. He also played for a winning program and really good college coach at Tennessee, Rick Barnes! Dalton is a guy that has a chance to start or play a lot off the bench.”

Even the current Lakers superstar LeBron James had high praise for the 5th year senior. During the March Madness Elite Eight this year, James was asked about the NCAA tournament and if he was following any particular stars. ‘King James’ confirmed that he indeed was following the game, especially the Purdue-Tennessee game for Zach Edey and Dalton Knecht.

Knecht played just one season for the Volunteers and averaged 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. Due to his skillset, he was awarded not only SEC Player of the Year but also the SEC Newcomer of the Year. Magic feels the 23-year-old would be the right addition but he didn’t show the same optimism for JJ Redick.

Magic Johnson on JJ Redick

Johnson took to X a week ago to show support to Pelinka and Co. about hiring the new coach. He used the word “cautiously optimistic” about the success of both the Lakers and JJ Reddick. Praising his basketball IQ plus his elite mentality as a player, Johnson hoped that the same would be brought to the table for Purple and Gold. Ending his first tweet with a question about Redick being as good as a star basketball player to head coaches like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, or Doc Rivers.

In his next tweet, he said the job was half done as the roster needed improvement. Maybe that’s why he is so high for the Knecht draft pick. Magic Johnson believed that the team lacked quality in comparison to the West powerhouse teams. He included the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Suns, Thunder, Spurs, and the Clippers as the potential challengers for the Lakers.

The next draft pick too will be crucial for the Lakers, as some reports have suggested Bronny James as the potential pick. His father LeBron James said it was his dream to play alongside his son but even he is yet to sign the extension with the Lakers.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.