Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht. Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Lakers rookie gets awesome new nickname from Snoop Dogg

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Oct 18, 2024 3:49 PM ET

One Los Angeles Lakers rookie has officially been blessed with the vibes of Uncle Snoop.

First-year Lakers forward Dalton Knecht exploded during Thursday’s preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. Knecht scored 35 points, including 20 in a row at one point, to lead the Lakers to the 128-122 overtime victory. That included a wild off-the-dribble three over 7-footer Bol Bol in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Dalton Knecht 3PT over Bol Bol to force OT

Lakers rookie is COLD pic.twitter.com/GGqIHBKOLJ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 18, 2024

In response to the 23-year-old Knecht’s eruption, hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg christened him with a fantastic new nickname. During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” Friday, Snoop pitched the name “Westside Knecht.”

“You called him by the wrong name. His new name is Westside Knecht… Please recognize game when it’s in your face.”

Snoop Dogg is high on Dalton Knecht after his 35-point performance last night

(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/49PXwebV5S
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 18, 2024

That is a nifty play on the hip-hop supergroup Westside Connection. That group was led by Los Angeles legend Ice Cube and also featured rappers Mack 10 and WC.

Of course, Snoop Dogg is an L.A. legend himself and has been known as a longtime Lakers fan. The ex-Tennessee star Knecht already had one pretty cool nickname prior to all this, but he may now have to go by the Snoop-coined “Westside Knecht,” especially now that he is on the Lakers.

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

More must-reads: