After a rough stretch that saw them drop six of their last seven games - including three straight - the South Bay Lakers came into Tuesday night’s matchup with the San Diego Clippers needing more than just a win. They needed a spark. And thanks to a balanced offensive surge and a standout performance from a promising young wing, they got exactly that.
South Bay came out swinging, jumping to a 28-14 lead late in the first quarter. They were crisp, energetic, and locked in on both ends.
By halftime, they held a solid 67-59 advantage. But as has been the case during this recent skid, consistency proved elusive.
The third quarter saw the Lakers’ offense stall, managing just 18 points and allowing San Diego to claw back and briefly take control.
Then came the fourth quarter - and with it, a reminder of what this team is capable of when its young talent clicks. South Bay erupted for 42 points in the final frame, regaining momentum and closing out a much-needed 127-118 victory.
At the heart of the turnaround was Dalton Knecht. Fresh off a reassignment from the Lakers’ NBA roster, the second-year wing looked every bit like a player determined to prove he belongs back in the big league.
He poured in a game-high 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including a red-hot 6-of-10 from deep. Knecht’s shot selection was sharp, his confidence clear, and his impact undeniable.
This wasn’t just volume scoring - it was efficient, purposeful offense that helped swing the game back in South Bay’s favor.
Joining him was rookie forward Adou Thiero, who also made the trip down from the Lakers’ main squad. Thiero made the most of his minutes, scoring 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting while adding seven rebounds and two steals. He brought a physical presence on both ends, showing flashes of the two-way potential that earned him a look at the NBA level in the first place.
Nick Smith Jr. chipped in 20 points on 8-of-17 from the field, continuing his steady scoring production. His ability to create off the dribble and get to his spots gave the Lakers another reliable option when the offense needed a boost.
Off the bench, Kobe Bufkin was sharp and efficient, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His energy and shot-making were key during South Bay’s fourth-quarter surge.
Bronny James, still finding his rhythm at the pro level, logged 22 minutes. He finished with four points, three rebounds, three assists, and four turnovers on 2-of-5 shooting. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, James continues to show flashes of his vision and feel for the game - even if the execution is still catching up.
This win doesn’t erase the struggles South Bay has faced in recent weeks, but it does offer a reminder of their ceiling when the pieces align. With Knecht leading the way, Thiero making hustle plays, and the backcourt providing consistent production, the Lakers showed they can still punch back - and punch hard.
For a team looking to regain its footing, this was more than just a win. It was a statement that the fight isn’t over.