The Los Angeles Lakers gained significant momentum ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season with a thrilling 128-122 preseason victory over the Phoenix Suns.
While the win was a collective effort, the spotlight is shining brightly on Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, whose outstanding performance has captivated basketball fans.
The former Tennessee standout dominated the game, matching Anthony Davis with a team-high 35 points and contributing seven rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and an assist in just 32 minutes off the bench. His exceptional play has drawn attention across the NBA landscape, even among celebrity fans.
Lakers superfan and hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg made an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” to share his admiration for Knecht. The 52-year-old was so impressed that he even coined a nickname for the 6-foot-6 rookie.
“(Knecht’s) new name is ‘Westside,'” Snoop declared on the show. “So ‘Westside Knecht’ put that money up. Please recognize game when it’s in your face.” This nickname likely pays homage to the legendary hip-hop group Westside Connection, known for their influence in the 1990s.
The humor in the nickname lies in Knecht’s unlikely connection to Westside Connection; he hails from North Dakota, a far cry from hip-hop culture, before playing high school and college basketball in Colorado and Tennessee. Nonetheless, his standout preseason performance has earned him a unique title from one of the genre’s biggest stars.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith joined in the praise, noting that the Lakers have lacked a player like Knecht for years. He likened Knecht’s role to that of a specific football position, emphasizing his shooting prowess.
“I’m talking about a dude whose purpose is like a field-goal kicker,” Smith stated. “His job is to shoot. That’s ‘Westside Knecht.’ (The Lakers) got that brother. I like him.”
Last season, the Lakers ranked ninth in three-point shooting percentage but struggled, finishing 24th in made threes and 28th in attempts. With Knecht and J.J. Reddick, a former three-point specialist, coaching, Los Angeles should see improvements in their perimeter game this year.
While excelling in the preseason is promising, the real test will be if Knecht can maintain that level during the regular season. Playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis will present opportunities for him to shine.
Knecht will have a chance to showcase his skills further when the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in their preseason finale on Friday night.