Los Angeles Lakers Announce Roster Move Before Mavericks Game

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 15: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers lines up for a foul shot in the fourth quarter of their preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 111-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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).

Lakers Make Roster Move Before Dallas Game

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

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

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

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

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.