The Los Angeles Lakers have started the 2024-25 season strong, and Wednesday night’s victory over the Memphis Grizzlies added another chapter to their historic franchise. With a 128-123 win, the Lakers advanced to a 7-4 record, but it was the contributions of rookie Dalton Knecht and veteran LeBron James that stole the spotlight.
A Record-Breaking Night for LeBron and Knecht
LeBron James delivered a triple-double performance, scoring 35 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 14 assists. In doing so, James became the oldest player to achieve three consecutive triple-doubles and just the fourth player in NBA history with at least 40 30-point triple-doubles. Yet, it wasn’t just LeBron who made history—Dalton Knecht also achieved a remarkable milestone. The Lakers rookie logged 19 points, shooting an impressive 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, making him the first rookie in Lakers history to make at least five 3-pointers without a miss.
Knecht’s Impact on the Court
Knecht’s impressive performance came at a crucial moment, as the Lakers fought off a resurgent Grizzlies team. With Anthony Davis in foul trouble, Knecht stepped up and took control. His 31 minutes on the floor, combined with his efficient shooting, proved pivotal in securing the win. Following the game, LeBron praised Knecht’s efforts, saying, “We leaned on Dalton Knecht, that’s what we did… He looked like he was back at Tennessee, so we leaned on him.”
JJ Redick Commends Knecht’s Performance
Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed LeBron’s praise, describing Knecht as the “catalyst” for their victory. Redick’s endorsement highlights Knecht’s potential as an essential part of the Lakers’ roster, adding depth and energy to their bench. With this performance, Knecht has certainly turned heads, sparking curiosity about his role in future games.
Eyes on Knecht as the Season Progresses
The Lakers now set their sights on Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. With Knecht’s record-setting performance in the books, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can sustain this hot streak. As the Lakers aim to climb the Western Conference standings, Knecht’s development could be a key factor in their success.
The excitement surrounding this season continues to grow, and Dalton Knecht’s breakout performance adds a fresh dynamic to the Lakers’ ambitions. As he builds on this achievement, the rookie’s journey will be one to follow closely.