On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers will be in Texas to face off against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers most recently lost to the Thunder (in Oklahoma City) by a score of 139-96.
Dalton Knecht and Kobe Bufkin did not play in the game (they were in the G League).
Los Angeles Lakers Make Roster Move Before Dallas Visit
GettyLakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a Lakers practice at UCLA Health Training Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in El Segundo, CA.
Before their showdown in Dallas, the Lakers announced that they had recalled both players to the NBA.
Ryan Ward of Lakers OnSI wrote: “The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled guards Kobe Bufkin and Dalton Knecht from the South Bay Lakers.”
Knecht’s Background
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his dunk with teammate Dalton Knecht #4 while playing the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Crypto.com Arena on November 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Knecht was the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Tennessee.
After averaging 9.1 points per contest as a rookie, the 24-year-old has struggled to get minutes this season (10.3 MPG).
Right now, Knecht is averaging 4.0 points and 1.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 44.6% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range in 50 games.
Real App wrote (on March 15, 2025): “Dalton Knecht is the first rookie in Lakers history to ever record multiple games with: 30+ PTS 5+ 3PM 0 TOV”
Bufkin’s Background
GettyKobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Bufkin was the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Michigan.
He spent the first two seasons of his career with the Atlanta Hawks.
Right now, the 22-year-old is averaging 2.7 points per contest while shooting 29.3% from the field in 13 games.
Lakers Ahead Of Mavs Clash
Getty Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick paces the sideline during action against the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers are having a very strong season as the third seed in the Western Conference with a 50-27 record in 77 games.
They have won eight out of their last ten games (and are 24-15 on the road).
Following the Mavs, the Lakers will play their next game on Tuesday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in California.
Mavs Before Lakers Come To Town
GettyCooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 31, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Mavs will come into the matchup as the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a 24-53 record in 77 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game losing streak (and 2-8 over their last ten).
At home, the Mavs have gone 14-25 in 39 games in Dallas.
Following the Lakers, they will play their next game on Tuesday when they visit Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers in California.
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