Dalton Knecht has quickly become a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers, not just for his scoring but also for his unwavering loyalty to his teammates. In a season already filled with ups and downs for the Lakers, Knecht’s fiery competitiveness came to light following the team’s early-season encounters with the Memphis Grizzlies. After Ja Morant’s perceived slight against LeBron James and the Lakers, Knecht made it clear that he wasn’t going to let the Grizzlies’ actions slide without retaliation.
“Go for the throat. They tried to embarrass us on their home court.”
“They were real disrespectful. We had that game ready on our minds.”
The spark was lit during the teams’ first matchup on November 6, 2024, when the Grizzlies dominated the Lakers in a 131-114 blowout. Following the win, Morant made headlines with a comment that seemed to challenge LeBron James’ status as the face of the league. He reportedly claimed to be “the new king around here,” a statement that rubbed many Lakers players the wrong way, particularly the rookie Knecht. As written by Lakers insider Dave McMenamin:
“Beyond his still-aching jaw, Knecht was particularly miffed with how Ja Morant went at his teammate LeBron James, with the Memphis star ‘saying that he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
The Lakers didn’t have to wait long to get their revenge, as they faced the Grizzlies again on November 13, this time at home. The game carried extra weight for Knecht, who was determined to back up his words with action. The rookie delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring 19 points while shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. His sharpshooting was instrumental in the Lakers securing a 128-123 victory.
LeBron James led the way with a triple-double, scoring 35 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 14 assists. Knecht’s efforts complemented James’ brilliance and underscored the rookie’s growing importance in the Lakers’ rotation.
Knecht described the team’s mentality heading into the game succinctly. The win not only avenged the earlier loss but also reasserted the Lakers’ pride against a brash Memphis squad.
Knecht’s breakout performance against Memphis sparked a stretch of stellar games, with the rookie averaging 22.8 points over the following five contests. His ability to rise to the occasion against one of the Lakers’ rivals has cemented his place as a valuable piece in their lineup and even placed him in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
The rookie wasn’t shy about his feelings toward Morant’s comments. His fiery response serves as a reminder that even as a first-year player, Knecht is unafraid to stand up for his team and its leaders.
With another matchup against the Grizzlies scheduled for March 29, 2025, Knecht and the Lakers will have another opportunity to assert their dominance. Until then, Knecht’s emergence as a clutch performer and passionate teammate continues to make him a standout story in an already eventful Lakers season. For Knecht, loyalty to LeBron and the Lakers is not just talk—it’s something he’s willing to fight for on the court.
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