The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, in particular, have a close relationship with one another, and the city is known as the City of Angels. In their respective sports, both organizations rank among the most illustrious.

With a victory at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, the Lakers kicked off their NBA season. They will play again on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

But as the Dodgers get ready to host Game 1 of the MLB World Series against the New York Yankees, the city’s attention might change. Given the star power involved, this game is sure to be one of the most exciting series in recent memory.

The Lakers sent the Dodgers an encouraging six-word message on Friday morning, demonstrating their unity as both teams strive for victory.

“Bring it home for LA, Dodgers.”

This series will showcase some of the league’s best players, such as Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers, who are expected to win the American League and National League MVP honors.

The battle, which highlights the clash of two of the most prestigious clubs with ardent fan bases and significant city monuments, also features stars like Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, and Mookie Betts.

Jack Flaherty and Gerrit Cole will engage in a pitching duel in Game 1. Both teams have been hitting remarkably well, but Flaherty has struggled with a 7.04 ERA in the postseason thus far. Ohtani is an enticing opening since he has reached base 18 times in the NLCS.

Lakers Rookie Dalton Knecht Reacts to the Nickname of Snoop Dogg

When hip-hop legend and music producer Snoop Dogg gave rookie Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers the nickname “Westside Knecht,” he was shocked.

Knecht, however, stated that he will continue to use “Knecht 4” as his nickname in spite of Snoop Dogg’s recommendation.

“My friends told me [about Snoop Dogg’s nickname for me],” Knecht said to reporters after the Lakers’ October 24 practice.I didn’t trust them when they texted me, but then my parents forwarded the video to me. “Wow, this is crazy,” I thought. It’s unbelievable.

I took a poll, and the results were 78–22. Knecht 4 prevailed. Knecht 4 must be the one. However, I can still be referred to as Westside by Snoop Dogg.

Dalton Knecht says his fans have spoken: Knecht 4 beats Westside Knecht as his top nickname. However, he still gladly accepts the moniker from @SnoopDogg pic.twitter.com/3cUGsNaN6Y

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 24, 2024

When the Lakers rookie appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” on October 18, Snoop Dogg gave him the nickname “Westside Knecht.”

Snoop declared, “Westside is (Knecht’s) new name.” Thus, “Westside Knecht” contributed that sum. Please know when a game is being played against you.

“The Lakers are on a mission. We got everything we need.” @SnoopDogg thinks the Lakers are going far this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/xGutDourVp

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 18, 2024

Knecht was given the moniker by Snoop Dogg in reference to Westside L.A.

The TOLJ commercial real estate firm states that Westside “is generally regarded as the more desirable area for commercial real estate, with higher property values and a greater variety of businesses” in comparison to Eastside L.A.

Westside L.A. includes Beverly Hills, Culver City, Malibu, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.

After selecting No. 4 as his Lakers jersey, Knecht, the 17th overall choice in the June NBA draft, was dubbed “Knecht 4” in reference to the game “Connect 4.”

Knecht would have liked to keep donning No. 3.

“I was aware that I would most likely have to face No. 4 at some point,” Knecht stated at his press conference. “I’ve always had three as my number, but since three (forward Anthony Davis) got it, why not do a “Knecht Four?” Why not?

Dalton Knecht’s First NBA Game

The rookie from the Lakers had a strong NBA debut, finishing 16 minutes off the bench with five points on 2-of-4 shooting, two assists, one rebound, and a steal. More significantly, on October 22, he was plus-7 in the Lakers’ 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Following the victory, he tweeted, “GAME 1 DUB.”

It was a worthy sequel to his 35-point effort against the Phoenix Suns in his final preseason game, which Lakers star LeBron James missed, which included 20 consecutive points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Early in the second quarter, Knecht made his first basket, a 3-pointer from the top of the key.

Knecht stated via Lakers Nation, “I believe JJ just called a play out of a timeout, an ATO, and we didn’t run it, but we ran it immediately after.” I think D-Lo (D’Angelo Russell) named it, and yes, it was really awesome to make my first attempt. I can’t recall who informed me, but they stated it was really wonderful to have that moment because both LeBron and AD had their NBA debuts.

NBA GMs Are Called Out by Charles Barkley for Dalton Knecht’s Slip

After leading the SEC with 21.7 points per game as a senior and shooting 39.7% from three-point range for the Volunteers, Knecht was one of the most anticipated prospects in this year’s draft and was predicted to finish in the top 10.

However, he unexpectedly fell to No. 17, which gave the Lakers the opportunity to steal him.

The general managers that rejected Knecht were criticized by NBA icon Charles Barkley.

Before the Lakers vs. Timberwolves game, Barkley stated on “NBA on TNT,” “Listen, these NBA general managers don’t have any idea what they’re doing.” One of the dumbest things I’ve ever witnessed was allowing the Lakers to acquire Dalton Knecht—that’s a terrible guy, right there. Dalton Knecht: keep that name in mind, everyone.