Quick Bytes
- The Lakers secured a 93-89 victory over the Cavaliers in Las Vegas Summer League play.
- Dalton Knecht returned to the lineup, contributing significantly to the win.
- Bronny James and Blake Hinson provided key plays, with the team rallying for a late-game comeback.
- The Lakers are set to face the Chicago Bulls in their final Summer League game.
Lakers Triumph in Vegas Summer League Showdown
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their Las Vegas Summer League campaign with a thrilling 93-89 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
With the return of first-round draft pick Dalton Knecht, the Lakers were eager to build on their previous victory. The team started strong, with Maxwell Lewis, Bronny James, and Knecht quickly establishing an 8-2 lead. Despite a push from Cavaliers’ Emoni Bates, the Lakers ended the first quarter ahead.
The second quarter saw the Cavaliers briefly take the lead, but Knecht and James, who combined for 18 points by halftime, kept the Lakers close. Colin Castleton also contributed with eight points, four rebounds, and four assists in the first half.
Entering the third quarter, Knecht continued his scoring streak, but the Lakers struggled defensively against Jaylon Tyson. Blake Hinson’s offensive spark, including a triple and a midrange jumper, ignited a 9-0 Lakers run. Tyson’s buzzer-beater three-pointer, however, kept the Cavaliers ahead going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Tyson extending the Cavaliers’ lead before Moses Brown’s presence in the paint helped the Lakers tie the game. Bronny James’ layup then pushed the Lakers ahead. Despite a late turnover and a missed three-pointer by Bates at the buzzer, the Lakers held on for the win, finishing with a 9-0 run.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are preparing to face the Chicago Bulls in their last game of the Summer League, hoping to end on a high note.