Dalton Knecht Ejected in Surprising Fashion as Lakers Dominate Wizards
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht faced an unexpected ejection during the team’s commanding 134-96 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. While the game was already out of reach for Washington, Knecht’s dismissal in the final quarter added an unusual twist to an otherwise dominant performance by the Lakers.
A Strange Ejection in the Fourth Quarter
With the Lakers comfortably ahead, Knecht attempted a three-pointer but felt that he was not given enough space to land safely. Despite his protests, the officials let the game continue, leading to a fast break for the Wizards. Knecht, however, did not let the issue go and continued to argue his case even as play moved down the court.
It remains unclear exactly what Knecht said to the referee, but he was assessed back-to-back technical fouls and was immediately ejected from the game. His dismissal came with the Lakers leading by 39 points, which meant that the result was never in doubt. However, it was an abrupt end to what had been another solid performance by the promising rookie.
Before his ejection, Knecht scored 10 points and grabbed a rebound in 22 minutes of action, aligning closely with his season average of 9.5 points per game.
Knecht’s Rising Impact in the Lakers’ Lineup
Despite the bizarre nature of his ejection, Knecht has been proving his value throughout his rookie season. Just one game prior, he scored 24 points and collected five rebounds in a tough 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. That game showed glimpses of his potential and his ability to contribute to the Lakers’ offensive game plan.
Knecht’s career-high of 27 points came earlier this season during NBA Cup group play against the New Orleans Pelicans. In that game, he demonstrated his shooting efficiency, hitting 10-of-17 from the field, including five made three-pointers, across 37 minutes of play.
The Lakers selected Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and while initial reports suggested that he was not their primary target, he has quickly proven to be a valuable addition. His ability to contribute off the bench and provide perimeter shooting has made him an integral part of the team’s rotation.
A Standout College Career Leading to NBA Success
Before joining the Lakers, Knecht was one of the best college basketball players in the country. At Tennessee, he averaged 21.7 points per game, making him the leading scorer in the SEC. His performances earned him multiple accolades, including:
- 2024 SEC Player of the Year
- Unanimous All-American Selection
- Julius Erving Award Winner
- Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Finalist
His most memorable college moment came in the Elite Eight against Purdue, where he set a Tennessee program record by scoring 37 points, the sixth-most ever by an SEC player in an NCAA Tournament game.
Looking Ahead: Lakers vs. Knicks at Madison Square Garden
While his ejection was a minor setback, Knecht remains a critical part of JJ Redick’s rotation. Across 45 games this season, he is averaging 20.9 minutes per game, with 12 starts under his belt.
Knecht and the Lakers will now shift their focus to their next big matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. This high-profile game will be nationally televised, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Despite his ups and downs, Knecht continues to showcase his potential and value to the Lakers. His development will be crucial as the team pushes for playoff positioning in the second half of the season. With more opportunities ahead, the rookie will have plenty of chances to bounce back and make an even bigger impact on the court.
