Dalton Knecht clarifies LeBron James’ expectations, while JJ Redick continuously stirs up painful memories

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs approach, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: relying on the brilliance of LeBron James to lead the charge. But this time, there’s a new dynamic in play. Rookie guard Dalton Knecht, who ended the regular season with a breakout performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, has become a fascinating subplot. While the Lakers rested LeBron and other starters in their final game, Knecht made it known—he’s not here to be a bystander. He’s ready to contribute and confident in his playoff mindset.

The question now looms: Will LeBron James’ playoff experience be enough to carry this Lakers team past a red-hot Timberwolves squad, or are we about to witness history repeat itself?

Dalton Knecht locked in: Rookie shows no fear entering NBA Playoffs

Despite being only 23 and relatively overlooked coming into the season, Dalton Knecht is playing like a veteran. Against the Trail Blazers, he dropped 27 points and grabbed 8 rebounds—an assertive display of energy, confidence, and hunger. What stood out most wasn’t just the stats, but the way he talked post-game. “We’ll be ready,” he said, name-dropping veterans like LeBron, Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes as key figures guiding the team into playoff mode. “Bron’s been doing playoffs before I was born,” he joked, signaling not just reverence, but belief in their leadership.

That mindset, that fearlessness—it’s what separates promising rookies from ones who make a real impact in the postseason. Dalton Knecht isn’t just starstruck by sharing a locker room with LeBron James. He’s actively showing that he wants to help win now.

LeBron James still chasing greatness in Year 22

If LeBron James is slowing down, someone forgot to tell him. Now in his 22nd season at age 40, LeBron remains the emotional and strategic nucleus of the Lakers. The team finished 50–32, securing the third seed in the Western Conference and avoiding the dreaded Play-In Tournament. For LeBron, that’s not just a luxury—it’s strategic gold.

“Whenever I can get a week off from playing ball, I’m taking it,” LeBron said recently, a nod to his veteran approach. Rest is no longer just about recovery—it’s about extending his dominance in the playoffs.

This season, James has averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game, reminding everyone that he’s still elite. But the true test begins now. The Timberwolves, a younger and aggressive team, swept LeBron’s previous squad from the playoffs last year. Motivation will not be in short supply.

JJ Redick’s film room strategy: Learning from past pain

Lakers head coach JJ Redick is entering his first playoff series as a head coach, but he’s not approaching it blindly. After the loss to Portland, Redick admitted to spending extra hours in the film room, leaning heavily on the experiences of assistant coach Greg and star Luka Doncic—both of whom were part of the Suns team swept by Minnesota last year.

“Greg was in Phoenix when they got swept. Sorry Greg, just facts,” Redick quipped with a smile. The Lakers know what they’re up against. The Timberwolves are not just young—they’re relentless on both ends of the court. Redick is smart enough to know that preparation won’t just come from schemes, but also by leveraging his staff’s and players’ scars from last season.

Redick’s approach is part of a broader message: this year is different. This Lakers team has the depth, the focus, and the playoff seeding to make a serious push.

Lakers’ playoff depth: From vets to rookies, everyone has a role

One reason the Lakers are hopeful this season is their roster depth. Austin Reaves has become a reliable perimeter option. D’Angelo Russell, though streaky, can catch fire. Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura bring two-way balance. And now, Dalton Knecht adds unexpected energy and shot creation from the bench.

This depth matters especially against teams like Minnesota, who can overwhelm opponents with relentless pace and spacing. The Lakers don’t need LeBron to do everything—at least not initially. But as Knecht and others step up, it gives the coaching staff more flexibility, especially if the series stretches deep.

What’s more impressive is how Knecht is talking like a guy who belongs. “I want to make sure Bron knows we’ve got his back,” he said after the Portland game. It wasn’t just lip service—he played like it too.

Timberwolves revenge tour vs. LeBron’s legacy mission

The Timberwolves come into this series hungry. They’ve heard the noise. People still doubt whether they can make it past the first or second round. Last year’s sweep of the Suns was a statement, but this year they want more. Anthony Edwards has become a certified star, Karl-Anthony Towns remains a unique offensive big, and their defensive schemes are built to disrupt even elite ball-handlers.

Still, beating LeBron James in the playoffs is different than beating a team with just Luka or KD. LeBron’s playoff IQ and ability to adapt in a seven-game series is unmatched. And this time, he’s not alone.

If the Timberwolves want to beat the Lakers, they’ll need to withstand not only LeBron’s fire but the emergence of young talent like Knecht and the veteran versatility of their entire bench.

Will history repeat or will LeBron rewrite it again?

Every postseason has its defining arc. For the Lakers, the narrative could go one of two ways. Either they fall victim to a young, faster team like the Timberwolves—mirroring last year’s Suns meltdown—or they use their experience, rest, and depth to control the tempo and punish mismatches over a seven-game chess match.

LeBron James knows how to win when it matters most. He’s done it in Cleveland, Miami, and L.A. But this time, he’ll need the full support of his teammates—from Luka to Dalton Knecht—to write another chapter of greatness.

Dalton Knecht, for his part, seems ready. “We’re locked in,” he said. And for Lakers fans, that should be a signal of hope.

Final Thoughts

This series could be a passing of the torch moment—if Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves manage to dismantle a rested Lakers squad. Or it could be another LeBron James masterclass, enhanced by fresh talent and a motivated coaching staff.

Regardless, Dalton Knecht’s rise has added an exciting twist. He’s not just the rookie on the bench. He’s making a case to be a real contributor in the most critical moments of the season.

Will LeBron’s playoff brilliance be enough to outlast the Timberwolves’ energy? Or will Knecht’s confidence and hunger provide the unexpected spark the Lakers need?