The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 119-101 to end a three-game losing run. After a quick two-game mini-road trip, they play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup before heading home. Dalton Knecht, a rookie sensation, was included on the Lakers’ injury report prior to the game.
For the Lakers’ crucial matchup with the Thunder, Dalton Knecht is classified as probable on the injury report. Before their match against the Spurs, Knecht was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. Later on, he was promoted to available.
According to the official record, Knecht has a right quad contusion. It’s unlikely that he will miss the Thunder game.
Big man Anthony Davis is also listed on the injury report with Knecht. Like Knecht, Davis is rated as likely and shouldn’t be in risk of missing Friday’s cup match. Since the offseason, Davis has struggled with plantar fasciitis.
Jaxson Hayes is labeled as doubtful for the Lakers’ matchup against the Thunder, adding to the team’s ongoing injury woes. Hayes had just made his comeback to the starting lineup following a six-game absence due to an ankle ailment. He had to exit the game early on Tuesday because he had reaggravated his ankle ailment against the Phoenix Suns. He missed the Spurs game and is probably going to miss two straight games.
The absence of Hayes further strains the team’s frontcourt rotation, which has already been without Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt throughout the season. This leaves the Lakers with even fewer options for depth in the frontcourt.
Dalton Knecht, a rookie for the Lakers, talks about ROY
Knecht, a top rookie in this draft class, was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht reacted with a few career performances after being added to the starting lineup when Rui Hachimura was sidelined by injury.
In response, Knecht had another outstanding performance, ending with a team-high 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals. He made 4 out of 10 three-pointers and 8 out of 15 field goals. He has presented a compelling argument for staying in the starting lineup going forward.
The former Tennessee standout is posting averages of 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, while shooting 50.7% from the field, 43.6% from three-point range, and 88.9% from the free-throw line.
He is currently ranked third in points per game among rookies, trailing only Memphis Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells and Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain.
