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[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers stood up for rookie Dalton Knecht after he took a hard foul from New Orleans Pelicans forward Bruce Brown.
With just under three minutes left in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers were leading 96-76 when Knecht appeared to have an uncontested fastbreak opportunity following a Pelicans turnover. However, as he rose for what looked like an easy dunk, Brown grabbed his shoulder and pulled him to the ground.
Knecht’s teammates wasted no time rushing to his defense. Luka Doncic immediately stepped in, shielding Knecht and shoving Brown aside, while Jarred Vanderbilt charged at Brown before referees stepped in to break things up.
Here’s another angle of the foul and the heated exchange that followed.
Brown was assessed a flagrant 1 foul, and Knecht split the free throws, extending the Lakers’ lead to 97-76.
The rookie delivered a solid performance off the bench, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the Lakers’ 136-115 win. He was also part of a highlight-reel play that ended in a LeBron James alley-oop slam.
While some had questioned whether the Lakers’ failed trade involving Knecht would impact team chemistry, Tuesday’s game made it clear—his teammates have his back.