The Los Angeles Lakers ended their pre-season games on a high note this week with an impressive clutch victory over Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers were down 8 going into the fourth quarter and it was tied in the closing minutes of the game. But thanks to heroics from rookie Dalton Knecht (and others), the Lakers managed to tie the game and win the match in overtime with a final score of 128-122 .
The Lakers struggled to score consistently last season and they couldn't keep up with the high-powered offenses. While it was just a small sample size, the Lakers have recently shown signs of being much improved on that end, no doubt due to head coach JJ Redick and the boost from their red-hot first-round rookie.
As for the other Lakers youngster, Bronny James, he managed to pick up his first-ever flagrant foul late in the fourth quarter. After the awkward collision, Bronny checked out with 4 points and 2 rebounds.
The game was about as intense as you'd expect for a pre-season game. As two older franchises desperate to win, they knew that it would be the first of many meetings this year and both teams carried a slight sense of urgency.
As one of the most stacked teams in the West, the Phoenix Suns have ambitions to compete for the title and the Lakers will be frequent competitors for them as a division rival. Tonight, the Suns looked good with their new lineup healthy and whole for the first time in years, but unexpected heroes from the Lakers stole the show and overwhelmed what would have been an inspiring effort from the other side.
“It was an incredible performance,” said JJ Redick on Dalton Knecht, via Mike Trudell . “That was supernatural.”
Besides Dalton's big night (he finished with 35), Anthony Davis contributed crucial minutes for the team with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists on 50% shooting at center. It was more than enough to keep up with the Suns star trio, who combined to score 50 in the game.
Despite their best efforts and some impressive stretches, the Suns clearly have some problems defensively and they had no answers for the LeBron-less Lakers, who shot 43.7% from the field.
On social media, fans couldn't help but rave about the young star and his amazing potential. The Lakers drafted him at 17 overall and it's looking like an absolute steal.
"Guys I swear to god that game just changed everything for me you literally gotta consolidate your roster and open up more minutes for Dalton Knecht he’s the real deal," wrote one fan in shock .
Even former Lakers star Metta Sandiford-Artest gave his seal of approval for Knecht and he's seen enough to say he's the real deal.
"Knecht from the Lakers is getting Rookie of the Year. Lakers 4th seed minimum. The kid is the real deal. Showtime coming back to LA. Shooters everywhere," wrote Artest .
The Lakers ended pre-season with a 2-3 record and while they have plenty of issues to address, they are in a pretty safe spot overall. After today, most Lakers fans and players feel good about where they stand going into the new season.
"I can't thank JJ enough. It always feels good when the coach has your back," said Dalton to the media after the game .
The NBA regular season begins in a few days, and the Lakers are the first of two West Coast teams slated to play on opening night. Against the Timberwolves, the Lakers will want to send a message right away and establish an early position near the top of the standings.
A few weeks ago, that looked impossible with their current roster. But now, with Kneht looking like he's ready to contribute at a high level, it could put the Lakers in a position to surpass the NBA elites.
The key to their success rests with LeBron James and his health and performance throughout this season will determine how far this team goes. For now, LeBron is still resting and preserving his strength but come October 22nd, he'll be ready to go at full speed and it will surely make things interesting in the West.'
For now, it seems the Lakers are set in their rotations and JJ Redick will likely use this heading into the season. Whether or not it will be enough to make a Finals run next year is anyone's guess but they believe they have a lot to be hopeful for right now given LeBron's continued success and the potential unforeseen rise of a new young star.
Related: 5 Important Questions Facing The Lakers In The 2024-25 Season
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