In a stunning turn of events, Dalton Knecht, the talented 6-foot-6 wing from Tennessee, found himself living out his wildest dreams as he walked off the Barclays Center floor and into his new life as a Los Angeles Laker. Minutes after being selected by the Lakers with the 17th pick in the NBA draft, Knecht was immediately thrust into a whirlwind of interviews, photoshoots, and social media content creation.

For those who closely followed Knecht's impressive performance at Tennessee, the fact that he was available at No. 17 came as a pleasant surprise. With an average of 21.7 points per game last season, Knecht showcased his scoring prowess and versatility on the court. The Lakers couldn't be happier with their choice, as their draft plans worked out even better than expected.

The Lakers had initially expressed interest in a group of players, but fate smiled upon them when Knecht was unexpectedly available. General Manager Rob Pelinka spoke highly of the young talent, noting his strong mentality and the determination to prove those who passed on him wrong. Knecht himself admitted that he has always felt underrated throughout his career, driving him to constantly strive for success and exceed expectations.

The road to the NBA was not always smooth for Knecht. Standing at less than 6 feet tall for the majority of his high school career, he faced doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. However, he proved his doubters wrong by honing his skills in junior college and eventually becoming a standout player at Tennessee. Now, wearing the iconic purple and gold of the Lakers, Knecht is ready to carve out his place in the professional basketball world.

The significance of joining the Lakers, a historic and revered franchise, is not lost on Knecht or his family. His parents, Corey and Carrie Knecht, played a crucial role in supporting and pushing him to be better throughout his journey. Corey, in particular, embraced the role of a tough but supportive mentor for his son, always encouraging him to strive for greatness. Joining the ranks of the Lakers, alongside legendary figures like LeBron James, is a monumental accomplishment for Knecht and his family.

Reflecting on his path to the NBA, Knecht remains grateful for the belief and sacrifices made by those close to him. While doubts fueled his desire for success, his focus during his first night as a professional basketball player was on the people who have supported him along the way.

With his talent, work ethic, and determination, Dalton Knecht is set to make his mark in the NBA. The Lakers have gained a valuable asset, and fans eagerly await his contributions on the court. As Knecht embarks on this new chapter of his basketball career, he continues to prove that he belongs among the best.

Citations:
- Image Source: [Tweet](https://twitter.com/hasanakincii/status/1412009038529564672)
- Quote: [Dalton Knecht's interview](https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1410744132529934336)
- Quote: [Rob Pelinka's comments](https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1410744132529934336)
- Quote: [Dalton Knecht's interview about his parents](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-06-23/dalton-knecht-first-round-pick-underrated-high-school-father)
- Quote: [Dalton Knecht's reaction to LeBron James' comments](https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1410744132529934336