In a decisive Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Houston Rockets with a commanding 98-78 victory at Toyota Center on Friday. The win sealed the series 4-2 for the Lakers, advancing them to the next round.

Former Tennessee Volunteers standout Dalton Knecht saw limited action for Los Angeles, logging just three minutes on the court. The rookie guard grabbed one rebound but missed his only three-point attempt against the Rockets' defense. While his stat line was modest, the experience of playoff minutes is invaluable for the young player.

As expected, LeBron James led the charge for the Lakers, pouring in a game-high 28 points to power his team to victory.

Knecht, selected 17th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft, has been carving out his role in his debut season. The 6-foot-6 wing transferred to Tennessee from Northern Colorado for the 2023-24 campaign, where he flourished under head coach Rick Barnes. During his lone season with the Vols, Knecht averaged an impressive 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, leading Tennessee to an SEC regular-season championship and a historic Elite Eight appearance—only the second in school history.

For fans looking to rep their favorite players, Knecht's journey from college standout to NBA rookie is one to watch. Whether you're rocking Lakers purple and gold or Vols orange, his story is just beginning.