LeBron James Has Laugh at Dalton Knecht's Expense As Ohio State Goes Up on Tennessee

The Lakers forwards were friendly rivals Saturday.

Dalton Knecht and LeBron James during the Lakers' 131–127 win over the Kings on Dec. 21, 2024. / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Count the Los Angeles Lakers among the many Americans locked in Saturday on the first round of college football's first ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

During the evening game between No. 6 Ohio State and No. 7 Tennessee, however, two of the Lakers' forwards came down on opposite sides of the contest. Los Angeles forward LeBron James backed the Buckeyes—his home state's flagship team—while former Volunteers star Dalton Knecht supported his old school.

When Ohio State jumped out to a 21–0 lead Saturday, James was quick to let Knecht know what was up.

"Hey! DK! 21–0! Don't worry about it," James said during an interview with ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Hey DLo [ex-Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell]! Tell him now!"

LeBron James multi-tasks between discussing the Lakers win and rooting for Ohio State’s CFP matchup postgame in SAC pic.twitter.com/0ux1IPY3sT

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 22, 2024

After McMenamin posted his video, Tennessee put up 10 unanswered points entering halftime.

It's going to take a more consistent effort by the Volunteers in the second half if Knecht wants to earn locker-room bragging rights going forward.

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