The notion for any LeBron James-led team is that draft picks should be used to make win-now moves to improve the roster. But, the Los Angeles Lakers have opted to use their last two first-round picks, selecting Jalen Hood-Schifino in 2023 and Dalton Knecht in 2024, both with the 17th overall pick.
While Hood-Schifino has been disappointing, Knecht has shown flashes of becoming a high-caliber role player. Many did not expect the former Tennessee Volunteer to be there at No. 17 as he was mocked to be in the top 10, but he ended up falling to L.