LeBron Was Already Showing Love to Lakers' First-Round Pick Months Ago

LeBron James hasn't officially commented on the Lakers drafting Tennessee G Dalton Knecht in the first round of the NBA Draft, but recent comments he made imply he'll be excited about the SEC Player of the Year joining the roster.

Speaking to reporters during March Madness, LeBron identified Purdue C Zach Edey and Knecht as two players he enjoyed watching. He noted he watched Purdue vs. Tennessee in the Elite Eight due to those stars, and now LeBron will call one of them a teammate.

Considering how well Knecht fits the roster, it's easy to understand LeBron's potential anticipation.

LeBron James Praised Dalton Knecht Months Ago

"You're going to watch Purdue because of Zach Edey because he's a great player," LeBron said. 'We watched that Purdue/Tennessee because of Zach Edey and Knecht."

He was talking about how stars drive audiences and neither player disappointed in the eventual Purdue win. Knecht scored 37 points while Edey had 40 with 16 rebounds as the foes put on a show for the ages.

LeBron is right that great players draw eyes. Knecht is a great offensive player and should make the Lakers better. He won't be the star of the show, though his shooting and cutting abilities will shine next to a passer like LeBron and big man like Anthony Davis.

It's safe to say LeBron and new head coach JJ Redick are fans of the selection, and now Knecht will get to show what kind of star he is on a much bigger stage.

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