Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has been making waves before even stepping onto the NBA court, and JJ Redick has now fueled the buzz with a bold statement that has fans talking. The former NBA star and current analyst recently praised Knecht, comparing him to none other than LeBron James—but with an unexpected twist.

In a candid interview, Redick didn’t hold back when discussing the potential of the Lakers’ No. 17 overall pick. “Dalton Knecht is better than LeBron James,” Redick stated, raising eyebrows across the basketball world. “I know people might think I’m exaggerating, but look at his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁set. He’s got incredible scoring ability, shooting range, and versatility. He has all the tools to make an immediate impact.”

Knecht, a 23-year-old shooting guard, has been touted for his shooting prowess and offensive versatility. He impressed during his time at Tennessee, leading the SEC in scoring with an average of 21.7 points per game and shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. Redick believes that this kind of talent could be crucial for the Lakers this season as they aim for championship contention.

“He’s coming into a team with big expectations,” Redick continued. “But if there’s anyone who can handle that pressure, it’s Knecht. He’s got the right mindset and s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁set to thrive alongside guys like Anthony Davis and LeBron.”

While LeBron James remains one of the greatest players of all time, Redick’s bold comparison highlights just how much confidence he has in Knecht’s ability to shine on a Lakers team stacked with talent. With the season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Knecht to see if he can live up to the high praise—and maybe even exceed it.

The question now is: Can Dalton Knecht emerge as a key contributor for the Lakers and help lead the team back to the top of the NBA? With Redick’s endorsement, the rookie will surely have a lot of attention as he starts his professional journey.