Lakers Introduce Knecht and James: Main Takeaways

Today at 12:00 PM PST, the Los Angeles Lakers held a presser to introduce the two newest members of the organization, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. The reactions to these picks couldn’t have been more polar opposite, with Knecht being labeled a steal while picking Bronny was unnecessarily shrouded in talks of nepotism. Regardless, both players were officially invited into the fold of the Purple and Gold, and here are the main takeaways.

Did you guys know lebron was bronny’s father?

Obviously, questions were set to be asked to Bronny James regarding his father, LeBron James. I certainly did not foresee it being almost every question for him. He handled himself very well throughout the entirety of the presser; towards the fourth or fifth question involving his dad, you could visibly notice that he was perturbed.

“I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life.”

– Bronny on the hate he receives in the media pic.twitter.com/OlnMXfyfYV

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 2, 2024

When asked about the process of getting started being easier because of his dad, he fired back, saying, “I had my own basketball stuff going on – so I really wasn’t in my dad’s pocket all day following him around the Lakers facility.”

James touched on the fact that he is aware of all the talk online regarding him and his signing, and if there is anyone who could help in that regard, it would be his father, Mr. Zero Dark 23. Bronny is chomping at the bit to begin writing his own story, which will begin this weekend as both he and Knecht are set to play in the California Classic Summer League.

Creating a future with jj

Knowing the kind of player Redick was and what he’s said he plans to be as a coach is essential. As a high-IQ movement shooter, Redick was able to negate his deficiencies as a smaller, less athletic guard, and he plans to implement those same strategies in his coaching. There couldn’t be a better fit, especially in the case of Knecht and James. Knecht knows it, too, noting that he feels like he “landed in the right place.”

Knecht can shoot the lights out of a gym on any given night. He is rarely discussed for his athletic prowess or ability to blow by defenders. Bronny is a solid spot-up shooter and defender, but his size is frequently addressed, as he even referenced it today. Enter JJ Redick. If he can maximize their ability to overcome their deficiencies through innovative off-ball movement and screening, these two young men could be off to the races.

JJ commented on the Lakers Development Program and how he envisions the two newest Lakers growing not only in their technical skills but “holistically” working on their mental sides of the game as well. With both of them coming in with the base of being “hard workers,” JJ seems as eager as any to get them progressing.

JJ also took the time to mention that although he won’t be directly coaching Summer League, he still plans to be heavily involved in the practice and film aspect of the entire process.

Rob Pelinka addressing free-agency

To many fans’ chagrin, Rob Pelinka was unable to provide any updates on the free agency front. The questions were met with the same talking points he’s been harassing Lakers fans with for the past few weeks now.  The CBA is difficult; trades are more challenging, and we must be mindful that we are making the right trade.

We’ve heard it all before, but until we as fans are presented with the fruits of the “aggressive” and “relentless” work we keep hearing about, the patience for lip service will wear thinner and thinner by the day.

There is certainly still time to make moves. Signing Demar Derozan or trading for key pieces like Walker Kessler or one of the many wings in Brooklyn is still on the but time is certainly of the essence as it is still not a 100% certainty LeBron will be returning to LA for the 2024-25 season.

BRONNY’S NEW CONTRACT

Before the press conference this morning, news broke that Bronny James signed a multi-year guaranteed rookie contract with the organization. The agreement’s details haven’t been revealed, but we can only hope Rob has learned his lesson.

The Lakers take care of their stars. https://t.co/CWFzvuSn8Z

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) July 2, 2024

In the past, Pelinka has bizarrely signed Lakers rookies to 2-year contracts, jumbling up FA when their time comes while the team should be focussing on more significant assets.

Dalton Knecht still needs to finalize a deal with the team, but we should expect something to be in place by Summer League.