Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic, Lakers heated after dirty foul on Dalton Knecht

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 9:56 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers had Dalton Knecht’s back after the rookie took a dangerous blow from New Orleans Pelicans forward Bruce Brown.

The Lakers led the Pelicans 96-76 with just under three minutes left in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. Knecht had what appeared to be an uncontested fastbreak opportunity after a New Orleans turnover.

But as the Lakers rookie rose up for a likely dunk, Brown grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him to the ground. Knecht’s teammates came to his aid in a hurry. Luka Doncic went over to shield Knecht and shoved Brown out of the way. Jarred Vanderbilt then charged at Brown just as referees came in to defuse the situation.

Appreciate Vando and Luka having Dalton’s back

Bruce Brown is a complete clown for that bs pic.twitter.com/gcFDkJ5Yi3
— Teo (@LakeshowTeo) March 5, 2025

Here’s another angle of the foul and subsequent altercation.

EXTREMELY DIRTY PLAY BY BRUCE BROWN FOLLOWED UP BY A TAUNT… EJECT THIS BUM.

LUKA AND VANDO WEREN’T HAVING IT. pic.twitter.com/OaK8qYsYGc
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 5, 2025

Brown was hit with a flagrant 1 foul. Knecht split the free throws to give the Lakers a 97-76 lead.

Knecht had a solid performance off the Lakers’ bench. The Tennessee alum poured in 13 points on 5/9 shooting in a 136-115 Lakers win. He was also a part of an epic highlight that led to a LeBron James alley-oop slam.

haven’t seen Dalton Knecht smile this much since the trade pic.twitter.com/ikNJ523OlF
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 5, 2025

Several fans wondered if the Lakers’ failed trade involving Knecht would affect the team’s chemistry. On Tuesday, the vibes between Knecht and his teammates could not have been better.

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

More must-reads: