Following an epic performance Thursday on the road, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht received high praise from legendary entertainer Snoop Dogg afterward.
Knecht tied a team high with 35 points, seven rebounds, two steals, two blocked shots and one assist in a 128-122 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns. He went 10-of-18 from the field, including 8-of-13 from 3-point range, in nearly 32 minutes off the bench.
The 17th pick scored 25 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including 20 straight, to seal the win for the Lakers. He hit the game-tying shot at the end of regulation and had 13 of the Lakers’ 15 total points in extra time, which earned a new nickname from Snoop Dogg.
“His new name is Westside Knecht,” Snoop said on “First Take” on Friday. “The Lakers are on a mission. We got everything that we need, everybody’s back. It seems like everybody is healthy. I like the pick. I like Knecht, and I like Bronny (James).”
“The Lakers are on a mission. We got everything we need.” @SnoopDogg thinks the Lakers are going far this season đŸ’ª pic.twitter.com/xGutDourVp
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 18, 2024
Knecht is averaging 18 points, 4.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals on 36% shooting from 3-point range in five games this month. His 35-point outburst tied teammate Anthony Davis for the most points scored in a game this preseason by any player in the league.
The 23-year-old appears to have solidified himself a spot at the back end of the rotation for the Lakers. He has drawn praise from his teammates and coaching staff for his ability to score and space the floor, something that has been on display in the early going.
Knecht showcased why the Lakers were high on him with his performance on Thursday. He has proven to be worthy of playing time to start the season, and the team is eager to watch him develop this season.
“The thing about him is just the mentality,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “It has been very obvious in pickup before the season, in training camp and thus far in games (that) he has got no fear. He is not afraid of the moment. That was a show that he put on.”