South Bay Lakers Ride Newcomers to Revenge Win Over Clippers
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - The South Bay Lakers didn’t forget what happened in San Diego a few weeks back. Tuesday night, they returned the favor - and then some - taking down the Clippers 127-118 at the UCLA Health Training Center behind a surge from their newest additions.
This wasn’t just a bounce-back win. This was a statement from a retooled South Bay squad that’s starting to find its rhythm with some serious NBA-caliber talent on the floor. The starting five featured Bronny James Jr., Nick Smith Jr., Adou Thiero, Drew Timme, and the newest face in the lineup - Dalton Knecht - all of whom have already logged minutes with the Lakers’ main roster this season.
And it was that fresh firepower that made the difference.
Dalton Knecht Makes a Loud G League Debut
Let’s start with Knecht. In his first-ever G League game, the rookie didn’t waste time making his presence felt.
He poured in 30 points on 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, showing exactly why the Lakers were excited to bring him into the fold. His shot looked smooth, confident, and NBA-ready.
“It felt good just getting to my spots and getting some good run,” Knecht said postgame. “Just staying ready… and showcasing what I can do.”
That readiness was on full display from the jump. He dropped 13 points in the first quarter alone, including three triples, helping South Bay race out to a 35-point opening frame.
Nick Smith Jr. Adds Firepower of His Own
Knecht wasn’t the only young gun heating up. Nick Smith Jr., in just his third G League appearance, showed off his scoring chops with 20 points, including three three-pointers in the second quarter. His ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor gave South Bay a much-needed offensive spark.
By halftime, the Lakers led 67-59, hitting 9-of-18 from deep - a sharp contrast to the Clippers’ 3-of-16 from long range.
Grit and Grind from Chris Mañon
While the headliners filled up the box score, Chris Mañon brought the hustle. The New Jersey native chipped in 20 points and four steals, and his relentless energy proved crucial, especially in the fourth quarter when the game was still hanging in the balance.
“That’s the Northeast mentality,” Mañon said. “Diving on the floor, playing as hard as I can - that’s something I can bring every night.”
He backed up those words with action, scoring 10 of his 20 in the final frame and setting the tone with his physical, scrappy play.
Clippers Push Back, But South Bay Closes Strong
Despite South Bay’s hot start, the third quarter saw the momentum shift. The Clippers came out firing, opening the half on a 15-6 run and grabbing their first lead of the night at 83-82 thanks to a Taylor Funk three. Funk, who had led the Clippers in scoring in both previous matchups, continued to be a thorn in the Lakers' side.
South Bay’s offense stalled in that stretch, with too much isolation and not enough movement. Smith Jr., Knecht, and Kobe Bufkin tried to create on their own, but the rhythm wasn’t there. The Clippers outscored the Lakers 24-18 in the third, making it anyone’s game heading into the fourth.
But that’s when South Bay locked back in.
Bufkin, who had been relatively quiet, came alive late with 10 clutch points in the fourth quarter. Combined with Mañon’s energy and Knecht’s steady shooting, the Lakers regained control and never looked back.
Clippers’ Standouts and Injury Note
San Diego’s RayJ Dennis and Patrick Baldwin Jr. were outstanding in defeat, combining for 55 points and keeping the Clippers within striking distance all night. However, they suffered a setback when starting guard Jason Preston exited early with an injury and did not return.
Looking Ahead: Showcase Weekend and Regular Season Reset
With the G League Winter Showcase on deck this weekend, this game marked the end of the Tip-Off Tournament for South Bay, who finish the event at 7-7.
For Head Coach Zach Guthrie, the message is clear: the next phase starts now.
“Our season literally resets after tonight,” Guthrie said. “We have a 0-0 record as of now.
We gotta take that into the showcase and literally have that presence to be day by day. For our guys, it’s a day-by-day in their improvement, because that’s what it’s all about.”
The Lakers have reason to feel optimistic heading into the regular season - especially if they can keep this core intact. But with the constant flux of call-ups to the parent team, continuity is never a guarantee in the G League.
Still, if Tuesday night was any indication, South Bay has the pieces - and the process - to be a problem for anyone going forward.