"He’s definitely getting bigger" - NBA analyst highlights Lakers rookie’s offseason transformation ahead of 2024-25 season

One of the newest LA Lakers additions has reportedly hit the gym ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Bronny James and Dalton Knecht were selected by the Purple and Gold in the 2024 draft, both surrounded by good expectations considering their backgrounds.

It seems like Knecht has been getting ready for his first NBA season, getting more muscle, as he'll face stronger opponents in the association. On Spectrum Network's "Lakeshow" podcast, Mike Bresnahan highlighted that Knecht has gotten stronger ahead of training camp.

“I did hear that Knecht has been putting on some muscle. So he’s definitely getting bigger. I thought he was already pretty good around the rim for a guard, but now he’s gonna be bigger and better than what we saw the last of him several months ago when he was still a college kid," Bresnahan said on Friday's edition of 'Lakeshow.'

Dalton Knecht was considered the steal of the draft by some people. The Lakers picked him with the No. 17 overall pick despite showing off a polished offensive game. However, his lack of strength didn't play in his favor and was selected out of the top 10.

With a new head coach in JJ Redick, the Lakers are expected to make some noise in the West, but it's hard to see them as serious candidates to compete for the championship. If Knecht improves his game, especially on defense, he can become a valuable player for many years.

Dalton Knecht says it will be special to play for 1 Lakers coach

Dalton Knecht has plenty of connections with the LA Lakers, starting with the fact that his first NBA jersey was a Kobe Bryant one. Moreover, he was praised by LeBron James when nobody had any clue that the Lakers would end up drafting the Tennessee product.

But the cherry on top is that he will play for a coach he 'watched a lot' during his college career.

“That’s really exciting," Knecht said back in June. "At Tennessee, I watched a lot of JJ Redick (film) with (TEN) Coach Barnes, just the way (Redick) moves and paces himself, and was able to create space ... It’s going to be real special.”

Dalton Knecht ended up being one of the best scorers in the 2024 NBA Summer League. He averaged 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 41.8% from the field, 39.1% from deep and 81.8% from the free-throw line.