On June 28th, renowned sports outlet BR released its draft grades for the 2024 NBA Draft, with the following assessment of the Los Angeles Lakers’ picks:
17th Overall Pick: Knecht – Grade: A+
The Lakers needed to improve their floor spacing, and Knecht shot 39.7% from three last season despite being a focal point of opposing defenses. Not only does he have a reliable three-point stroke, but he can finish above the rim and create space for his teammates. Other teams seemed spooked by his age at 23, while the Lakers are in a “win-now” mode with LeBron and AD, making Knecht a smart selection.
55th Overall Pick: Bronny James – Grade: B
This marks the first time in NBA history that a father-son duo will play together.
Bronny’s projection isn’t “mind-blowing,” but he’s still a solid prospect. His value depends on how you view his potential as a shooter and scorer. He brings energy on defense and possesses court vision combined with shooting ability. He’ll require significant seasoning to carve out a suitable role within a team. There’s a case for him as a 3-and-D player.
The Lakers might have drafted Bronny to appease LeBron, which is a factor that can’t be overlooked in grading their draft decisions.