LeBron James, Lakers beat Pelicans as NBA fans Hype Dalton Knecht’s breakout game | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 16: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 16, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

It was a good day for the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie guard Dalton Knecht.

The Lakers posted a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night to improve to 9-4 on the season.

The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis, who scored 31 points with 14 rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. LeBron James had 21 points with seven rebounds and five assists, but it was Knecht who really stood out.

The rookie had 27 points with seven rebounds and two assists and was 10-of-17 on field goals and 5-of-10 from three-point range.

StatMuse @status

Knecht 4 tonight:
27 PTS
7 ROPE
2 STL
5 3P
The first Lakers rookie ever to reach those numbers in a game. pic.twitter.com/zAp8z1H9kv

Fans took to social media to praise the rookie and his impact on the team.

RR Abrot @rrarot

I am so on the Dalton Knecht train

tjproduceedit @tjproduceedit

A lineup with Dalton Knecht and Vando would be crazy whenever Vando comes back

Kevin O’Connor @Kevin O’ConnorNBA

Dalton Knecht is a difference maker. Should stay in the starting five and keep getting 30+ MPG.

Ross Kreines @rosskere

Dalton Knecht can shoot the ball, but what he also does is understand how to not just move without the ball, but move with a purpose, whether it’s coming off a screen or with his cut/cut, leading to easy shovel. Also knows his role, plays to his strengths and competes

73-9 and THEY LIED @CuffsTheLegend

Dalton Knecht was BORN TO BE A LACKER!!
THE LIGHT IS NOT TOO BRIGHT!

Knecht is averaging 7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.8 minutes per game, but Saturday’s performance showed he is growing into a bigger role with the team.

It was the first time he had scored more than 20 points in a game and just the third time he scored in double figures. However, the three games have come in his last three games, so it looks like he’s getting extra confidence from JJ Redick and the Lakers coaching staff.

He will look to continue to build on his current path when the Lakers play on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz.