The Lakers took care of business Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena, cruising past the Mavericks 124-104 in a game that showcased the full range of LeBron James’ brilliance-and reminded everyone just how dangerous this team can be when he’s locked in.
LeBron notched yet another triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. At 39 years old, he’s still putting up stat lines that feel like they belong to someone a decade younger.
His court vision was on full display, orchestrating the offense with a mix of patience and precision, while still finding time to attack the rim and knock down timely jumpers. It's the kind of all-around performance that’s become his signature-and one that continues to defy time.
Rui Hachimura added 21 points of his own, providing a much-needed scoring punch alongside LeBron. With Anthony Davis not mentioned in the action and Luka Doncic inactive for Dallas, this one leaned heavily on depth and execution-and the Lakers delivered.
One name Lakers fans have been keeping an eye on is rookie Dalton Knecht. He saw just two minutes of action and grabbed a rebound, but the former Tennessee standout remains a player to watch.
Drafted 17th overall in 2024, Knecht arrived in L.A. after a breakout season with the Vols, where he averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He didn’t just put up numbers-he led Tennessee to an SEC regular-season title and a rare trip to the Elite Eight, earning both SEC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors in the process.
The Lakers are clearly easing Knecht into the NBA grind, but his college résumé speaks volumes. He’s a scorer with real upside, and while minutes are hard to come by on a veteran-heavy squad chasing playoff positioning, his time will come.
As for what’s next, the Lakers will stay in the building but shift gears for a matchup with the Clippers on February 20. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. EST, and with both teams jockeying for position in the crowded Western Conference, it’s shaping up to be another must-watch in the battle for L.A.