Newly-drafted Los Angeles Lakers rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James were seen wearing their new NBA jerseys for the first time on Tuesday. Knecht was drafted with the No. 17 pick after a successful season leading Tennessee to the Elite Eight. On the other hand, James joined the team at No. 55 after recovering from offseason heart surgery and making his college debut with USC last season.
During a press conference on Tuesday, the team introduced the newest Lakers to fans, where Knecht and James sported their new jerseys for the first time. James chose to wear No. 6, a number that is now retired in the NBA in honor of Bill Russell, and used to wear No. 9 in honor of late rapper Juice WRLD, who saw the number as a symbol of taking negative situations and turning them into something positive.
Knecht had to switch his number from No. 3, which he wore for the Vols, to No. 4 in order to avoid clashing with Lakers star Anthony Davis. During the press conference, he explained his decision by saying, “So why not do Knecht 4?” Knecht and James will be making their Lakers debut during the upcoming Summer League games, where fans can watch them play for the first time. The Summer League games will take place at the California Classic Summer League in Sacramento from July 6-10, and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 12-18.