JJ Redick, Dalton Knecht Video Surfaces Ahead of Clippers-Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 1:19 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are set for another showdown on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, just two days after their previous meeting, which saw the Lakers secure a 106-102 victory. Both teams enter the game in contrasting form, with the Lakers riding a five-game winning streak while the Clippers have managed just one win in their last five outings.

Friday’s victory was slightly overshadowed by an injury to fourth-year guard Austin Reaves, who played only nine minutes before exiting due to right calf soreness. With his night ending early, Lakers head coach JJ Redick turned to rookie Dalton Knecht for spot minutes.

Knecht played played 18 minutes in the win, scoring eight points while making two of his three attempts from deep. Redick was quick to praise Knecht’s professionalism and readiness, as the rookie was initially not expected to be in the rotation.

“I'm gonna tell you guys something,” Redick said to the team. “I told Dalton before the game that he probably wasn't going to be in the rotation tonight—but to stay ready. That's a professional basketball player right there.”

JJ: “I told Dalton before the game that he probably wasn’t going to be in the rotation tonight. But to stay ready - that’s a professional basketball player right there. That’s big time, Dalton.” pic.twitter.com/OYveWnB2uJ
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 1, 2025

Knecht, 23, has faced a challenging rookie season, including a near-trade earlier this month that would have sent him to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams before the Lakers ultimately backed out of the deal. His role in the team’s rotation has been inconsistent, but he has averaged 8.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per contest.

With Reaves' status in doubt for Sunday, Knecht may have another opportunity for rotation minutes against the Clippers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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