The Lakers competed in their first NBA playoff game on Saturday following the 2024-25 regular season. Minnesota defeated Los Angeles, 117-95, in game No. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Former Vol Dalton Knecht played three minutes for the Lakers. He recorded five points and three rebounds. Knecht converted 2-of-4 field goal attempts and 1-of-3 three-point attempts in his first career NBA playoff game.
Luka Doncic scored 37 points and LeBron James totaled 19 points for the Lakers. Game No. 2 of the best-of-seven first-round series will take place Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT (TNT).
Knecht was selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft (No. 17) by Los Angeles.
He was a transfer from Northern Colorado and played for the Vols during the 2023-24 season under head coach Rick Barnes.
During his one season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He led the Vols to a SEC regular-season championship and an appearance the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the second time in school history. Knecht was named SEC Player of the Year, SEC Newcomer of the Year and won the Julius Erving Award.
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