Lakers draft picks Dalton Knecht and Bronny James
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht and Bronny James during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in January 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a crucial stretch of the season with the Western Conference standings tightly packed and every game carrying significant playoff implications.
Los Angeles is currently riding a three-game winning streak and has won six of its last seven games.
The Lakers improved to 40-25 after defeating the fifth-place Minnesota Timberwolves 120-106 on Tuesday night, strengthening their hold on the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Away from the NBA spotlight, the organization has also continued to use its G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as an important development platform for young prospects and depth players seeking consistent minutes.
Lakers Prospects Headline South Bay Victory Over Iowa
On Wednesday night, South Bay extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 123-116 victory over the Iowa Wolves in a contest that featured several notable names tied to the Lakers organization.
Two-way trio Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr. and Chris Manon all featured in the contest, alongside NBA assignees Bronny James and Adou Thiero.
While James and Thiero have been regular presences for South Bay in recent weeks, another name appeared for only the second time this season.
Shortly before the game, the Lakers announced that 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht had been assigned to South Bay.
Knecht logged 33 minutes against Iowa, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.
He endured a difficult shooting night, going 5-of-13 from the field, but knocked down two three-pointers and converted all five of his free throw attempts. He also committed four turnovers.
James continued his strong form, scoring 17 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also added two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Elsewhere, Thiero recorded six points and four assists in 15 minutes on 2-of-6 shooting, but still grabbed attention with a highlight-worthy poster dunk.
The Lakers have remained cautious with the rookie forward after offseason knee surgery sidelined him early in the year, along with a more recent MCL sprain that kept him out throughout January.
Dalton Knecht Looking to Rebuild Momentum in G League
Knecht’s assignment comes at a time when playing time with the Lakers has been difficult to come by.
Through 48 games this season, the rookie guard is averaging 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in just 10.6 minutes per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range.
His role has gradually shrunk as the season has progressed, with Knecht often finding himself on the edge of the rotation.
The lack of consistent minutes has been evident. In January, he logged just 36 total minutes across the entire month, and through three games in March he has played only 10 minutes.
A stint in the G League offers an opportunity to reset, allowing Knecht to handle a larger role and regain rhythm in a lower-pressure environment.
His first taste of G League action earlier this season showed what that could look like.
In December, Knecht exploded for 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 36 minutes during a win over the San Diego Clippers, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 6-of-10 from three-point range.
With the Lakers navigating a tight playoff race, a productive stretch in South Bay could help Knecht rebuild confidence and potentially work his way back into the rotation as the season enters its final stretch.