Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has made waves in his first season, but nothing has fired him up more than the disrespect he felt Ja Morant showed towards LeBron James earlier this season. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Knecht was livid after the Memphis Grizzlies star boldly proclaimed that he was the “new king” of the NBA, even with LeBron still in the league. This remark didn’t sit well with the rookie sharpshooter, and it was personal. Knecht, who had been eyeing a big performance against Memphis ever since the Lakers’ crushing 131-114 loss to the Grizzlies on November 6, made sure to answer back.
The Lakers’ revenge game came just a week later, on November 13, when they pulled off a hard-fought 128-123 win in Los Angeles. Knecht was instrumental in the victory, showcasing his incredible shooting ability by going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc and scoring a total of 19 points. It was a performance that not only helped the Lakers get back on track but also sent a message to Morant and the Grizzlies: disrespecting LeBron James would not go unnoticed.
“Go for the throat,” Knecht said, reflecting on his mindset going into the game. “They tried to embarrass us on their home court, and we weren’t having that.” But it wasn’t just the team’s loss that stung Knecht—it was Morant’s bold comments about the league’s king. Knecht was particularly upset after Morant said that he was the “new king” while LeBron was still playing at a high level. For Knecht, it was about showing that the torch hasn’t been passed just yet.
The rookie’s determination paid off. In addition to his stellar shooting display, Knecht has been turning heads throughout the season. Since the Grizzlies game, he’s continued to perform at a high level, logging four consecutive double-digit scoring performances. It’s clear that Knecht has settled into a key role in the Lakers’ rotation, becoming one of the team’s most reliable 3-point shooters. His performances have even included a 27-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans and a career-high 37-point game against the Utah Jazz.
Through the first 20 games of his career, Knecht has averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting an impressive 48.0 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. His shooting efficiency and scoring ability have earned him the trust of Lakers head coach J.J. Redick, who has made Knecht an integral part of the team’s success so far. The rookie has even started eight games, playing an average of 24.1 minutes per game.
Knecht’s fiery performance against the Grizzlies wasn’t just about revenge—it was about proving that he belongs in the NBA and that the Lakers are still a force to be reckoned with. With a 12-8 record and sitting at No. 6 in the Western Conference, the Lakers are off to a solid start to the season, and Knecht has been a key contributor to their success.
As the Lakers head into a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Knecht’s eyes are still set on the bigger picture: showing that LeBron’s legacy is secure, and the “new king” narrative isn’t going to overshadow the reigning king. With a hunger for more success, Knecht and the Lakers are ready to keep rolling through the season, one clutch shot at a time.