Dalton Knecht tied the NBA rookie record with nine 3-pointers while scoring a career-high 37 points, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-118 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The victory marked the Lakers’ sixth consecutive triumph and improved their record to 10-4.
LeBron James contributed 26 points and 12 assists, and Anthony Davis added 26 points and 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves chipped in with 17 points, as the Lakers maintained their unbeaten home record this season, standing at 7-0.
Knecht electrified the Crypto.com Arena with 21 points in the third quarter alone, including four consecutive 3-pointers that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
His ninth triple of the night gave Los Angeles a 25-point lead early in the fourth quarter, tying the rookie single-game 3-pointer record held by Rodrigue Beaubois, Yogi Ferrell, and Utah’s own Keyonte George.
Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally, the Jazz couldn’t overcome their deficit. Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 25 points, while George added 18 points, including 10 in the final quarter.
Collin Sexton scored nine of his 19 points in the fourth as Utah outscored Los Angeles 43-31 in the period.
The Lakers relied heavily on Knecht, who has averaged 24.3 points per game since joining the starting lineup four games ago. His catch-and-shoot ability has provided a much-needed offensive boost alongside James and Davis.
Rui Hachimura missed his third straight game due to a sprained ankle, and Bronny James sat out with a bruised heel. However, the Lakers’ depth showed as key bench contributions helped seal the win.
The Jazz, now 3-11, endured a frustrating night marred by inconsistency. John Collins scored 18 points but received a flagrant foul for striking Davis in the groin.
Utah’s defense struggled to contain the Lakers, who shot 55.3% from the field and 45.2% from deep.
The Lakers’ six-game winning streak is their longest since February 2021, following their championship run in the NBA bubble. With their second victory in NBA Cup group play, the defending champions have solidified their position as tournament contenders.
