Lakers' LeBron James and Dalton Knecht Will Face Off Against Each Other at All-Star Game

The two Los Angeles forwards will be on opposite sides this Sunday.

Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Dalton Knecht (4) reacts to a ref’s call against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers rookie small forward Dalton Knecht has clearly found his form on All-Star Friday night, after a turbulent February saw him temporarily get traded to the Charlotte Hornets, along with L.A.'s 2031 first-round pick, a 2030 swap and little-used forward Cam Reddish, in exchange for rim-rolling center Mark Williams.

Knecht showed out in a big way while playing for Team Chris Mullin during the Rising Stars Challenge mini-tournament. His club won both its games and has earned a slot in Sunday's new-format All-Star game festivities, now in a tournament format.

Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht made his presence felt for Team C at the #CastrolRisingStars Game!

🏀 12 PTS
🏀 6 REB
🏀 4 AST

Team C earns their place in Sunday's #NBAAllStar mini-tournament. pic.twitter.com/Cvlb5qN1o6

— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2025

Across the two games, Knecht scored 12 of his team's 65 total points on 5-of-10 shooting from the floor (2-of-5 from long range), grabbed six rebounds, passed for four assists and nabbed one steal.

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Following his Rising Stars adventure, Knecht unpacked the prospect of playing against his most decorated teammate, 21-time All-Star Lakers power forward LeBron James, on Sunday.

"I might play against Bron, right?"

Dalton Knecht vs. LeBron in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/53ES8vAB9q

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 15, 2025

"I'm not sure but I might play against 'Bron, right?" Knecht said postgame. "I get to go against one of my teammates, so it'll be a lot of fun to go out there and try to make a statement."

Knecht's team will indeed play James' group, coached by Hall of Fame former Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal, in its first (and, likely, last) game of Sunday's mini-tournament All-Star slate. The victor of that semifinal bout will go on to play in a final against the winning team on the other side of the bracket.

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The 6-foot-6 Tennessee wing has been performing admirably for the 32-20 Lakers — despite being briefly traded away to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams — during his first pro season. Knecht is logging averages of 9.4 while slashing .464/.360/.814, along with 3.0 boards and 0.9 dimes.

James, meanwhile, is on track for a record 21st All-NBA appearance to match his record 21st All-Star appearance. The 6-foot-9 pro is averaging 24.3 points on .516/.395/.759 shooting splits, 9.0 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 48 healthy contests.

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