Honestly, the NBA needs more of this. Most rookies come into the league trying to be everyone's friend, or at least they’re too scared to say anything that might end up on a bulletin board in the opposing locker room. Not Dalton Knecht. The former Tennessee star has apparently decided that if you're going to play with LeBron James, you might as well adopt that "us against the world" mentality from day one.
So, what actually happened? Basically, the Lakers' November trip to Memphis turned into a whole thing. The Grizzlies didn’t just beat LA; they handed them a 131–114 loss that felt a lot uglier than the final score suggested. But it wasn't just the points. It was the vibe. Between Ja Morant’s antics and the general chippiness on the floor, the Lakers left Tennessee feeling like they’d been toyed with.
The "New King" Comment That Set Things Off
It’s no secret that Ja Morant plays with a massive chip on his shoulder. We love him for it, usually. But during that November 6th game, things got personal. According to reports and post-game chatter, Morant was making it very clear that he felt the hierarchy in the West was shifting.
Knecht later told ESPN that the Grizzlies were "real disrespectful." He wasn't just talking about the scoreboard. He specifically pointed out the way Memphis carried themselves on their home court.
"They tried to embarrass us on their home court. They were real disrespectful," Knecht said. "We had that game ready on our minds."
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Rumors swirled that Morant had some choice words about being the "new king" in the league. Now, look, saying that while LeBron James is literally standing on the same court? That’s a bold choice. It’s the kind of thing that gets back to the locker room fast. For a rookie like Knecht, who grew up watching LeBron, seeing that level of perceived "disrespect" toward a legend—and his own teammate—didn't sit right.
Why Dalton Knecht Took It Personally
You have to remember where Knecht came from. He spent his final college season at Tennessee. If you know anything about SEC basketball, you know that Knoxville and Memphis do not get along. There’s a natural built-in rivalry there.
When Knecht took an elbow from Jake LaRavia in that first matchup and had to leave the game, it only added fuel to the fire. He felt like the Grizzlies weren't just playing hard; they were trying to send a message that the Lakers were "old news."
The Lakers had to wait exactly one week for the rematch. One week. On November 13th, the Grizzlies rolled into Crypto.com Arena, and Knecht was ready. He reportedly told his teammates to "go for the throat."
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He didn't just talk, though. He actually backed it up. Knecht dropped 19 points, shooting a ridiculous 7-of-8 from the field and 5-of-5 from deep. Every time he hit a three, you could see the intensity. He wasn't just playing for a win; he was playing for a receipt. The Lakers took that game 128–123, and the post-game quotes were noticeably sharper than usual.
The LeBron Factor: Protect the Legend
There is a certain code in the NBA. Even when a superstar is on the back nine of his career, you usually show some level of reverence. Or, if you don't, you better be ready for the smoke.
LeBron himself has been complimentary of Knecht since before the draft. He famously said that the other 16 teams "f***ed it up" by letting Dalton slide to the Lakers at pick 17. When your superstar vet has your back like that, you tend to take it personally when someone targets him.
Knecht seeing the Grizzlies taunt LeBron wasn't just a "rookie defending a vet" moment. It was a "this is my team now" moment. By calling out the disrespect, Knecht effectively bridged the gap between being a "new kid" and being a core part of the Lakers' identity.
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What This Means for the Lakers-Grizzlies Rivalry
This isn't the 2000s anymore. True NBA rivalries are hard to find because everyone changes teams so often. But Lakers vs. Grizzlies? This feels real. It’s got:
- The established legend (LeBron) vs. the flashy young star (Ja).
- The "disrespect" narrative.
- A rookie (Knecht) who isn't afraid to bark back.
- Genuine bad blood from past playoff series.
Knecht’s comments highlight a shift in the Lakers' locker room. They aren't just relying on AD and LeBron to handle the emotional heavy lifting. Having a young guy like Knecht willing to call out opponents for being "disrespectful" gives the team a much-needed edge. It’s the kind of grit that travels well in the playoffs.
Taking Action: What to Watch For
If you're a Lakers fan or just a fan of high-drama basketball, here’s how to track this moving forward:
- Mark the Calendar: Check the schedule for the next Lakers-Grizzlies matchup. The "disrespect" narrative will be the primary storyline leading up to tip-off.
- Watch the Knecht-Morant Minutes: Look at how they interact on the court. Do they talk trash? Is the physical play escalated?
- Monitor the Rotation: Since these comments, Knecht’s role has fluctuated. Watch if JJ Redick leans on him more in high-intensity "grudge" games where his shooting and attitude provide a spark.
The NBA is better when teams actually dislike each other. Dalton Knecht just made sure that the next time LA and Memphis meet, nobody is going to be shaking hands until the final buzzer sounds.
Next Steps for Fans:
To get the full picture of this budding rivalry, go back and watch the highlights from the November 13th game at Crypto.com Arena. Pay close attention to Knecht's reactions after his fourth and fifth three-pointers—the body language tells you everything you need to know about how he felt regarding the Grizzlies' earlier behavior.