In an exhilarating game at the FedExForum in Memphis, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing the contest with a score of 117-112. This matchup marked a promising beginning for the NBA Cup for both teams.
One of the standout moments of the night was the return of Dalton Knecht, a former Tennessee Volunteer, who took to the court wearing a Lakers uniform for the first time in his professional career. Knecht, who played for the Volunteers during the 2023-24 season, logged 15 minutes on the floor against the Grizzlies. During his brief appearance, he contributed five points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, demonstrating his ability to impact the game even with limited time on the court. Knecht made 2-of-5 field goals and hit 1-of-3 from three-point range, providing a solid addition to the Lakers’ overall performance.
The Lakers’ star, Luka Doncic, stole the spotlight with an outstanding display of skill, tallying 44 points, which was vital in leading his team to victory and establishing a strong beginning to the Lakers’ season.
Selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Lakers after transferring from Northern Colorado, Knecht made headlines during his time at Tennessee. Under head coach Rick Barnes, he averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, playing a crucial role in guiding the Volunteers to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season championship and their second appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in the program’s history.
As Knecht continues to adjust to the challenges of the NBA, both fans and analysts are eagerly watching his progression. His impactful debut in Memphis hints at a promising career ahead, as he aims to build on his collegiate success while representing the Lakers on the professional stage. The victory, coupled with Knecht’s performance, sets an optimistic tone for what lies ahead in the NBA season.