Dalton Knecht Shines Bright as Lakers Beat Jazz: Rookie Ties NBA Record with 9 3-Pointers

In an unforgettable night for Los Angeles Lakers fans, rookie guard Dalton Knecht made NBA history by tying the league's single-game rookie record with nine 3-pointers, propelling the Lakers to a thrilling 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. The performance also marked a career-high for Knecht, who poured in an electrifying 37 points on an efficient 12-for-16 shooting, including a dominant 21-point third quarter.

Dalton Knecht Shines Bright as Lakers Beat Jazz

Knecht's Record-Breaking Performance

Dalton Knecht’s display of shooting brilliance captivated the home crowd at Crypto.com Arena, as the Lakers extended their unbeaten home streak to 7-0 this season. The rookie’s precision from beyond the arc placed him alongside some of the league’s elite, showcasing his potential to become a pivotal piece of the Lakers' offense.

He's a special player," said Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. "What he did tonight is something you don’t see every day, especially from a rookie. The sky's the limit for Dalton.

Lakers’ Key Contributors

While Knecht stole the spotlight, the Lakers' veterans ensured the win. LeBron James recorded a double-double with 26 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense with his usual brilliance. Anthony Davis was equally impactful, finishing with 26 points and 14 rebounds, dominating both ends of the court.

Austin Reaves also chipped in with 17 points, providing crucial support as the Lakers claimed their sixth consecutive victory—their longest win streak since February 2021, a period shortly after their championship success in the NBA Bubble.

Jazz Show Resilience, Fall Short

The Utah Jazz fought valiantly despite their third straight loss. Lauri Markkanen led the charge with 25 points, while Keyonte George and Collin Sexton delivered standout performances in the fourth quarter, combining for 19 points in the final frame. However, their efforts fell short against the Lakers' well-rounded attack.

Notable Absences

The Lakers were without Rui Hachimura, who missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained ankle. Meanwhile, Bronny James, LeBron’s son, was sidelined with a bruised heel. Despite these absences, the team displayed remarkable depth, driven by Knecht's record-breaking night.

Looking Ahead

The victory improved the Lakers to 2-0 in group play this season, keeping them in contention as defending NBA Cup champions. The team’s chemistry, bolstered by Knecht’s emergence, could make them a formidable force in the weeks ahead.

For Knecht, this performance may just be the beginning of a promising career. As the Lakers continue to soar, the young guard’s contributions are proving invaluable—not just in the box score but in shaping the team's winning culture.