LeBron James, Lakers Beat Pelicans as NBA Fans Hype Dalton Knecht's Breakout Game

It was a good day for the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie guard Dalton Knecht.

The Lakers earned a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, improving to 9-4 on the season.

The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis, who scored 31 points with 14 rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block. LeBron James had 21 points with seven rebounds and five assists but it was Knecht who really stood out.

The rookie had 27 points with seven rebounds and two assists and was 10-of-17 on field goals and 5-of-10 from three-point range.

Fans took to social media to praise the rookie and his impact on the team.

Knecht is averaging 7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.8 minutes per game but the performance on Saturday showed that he is growing into a greater role with the team.

This was the first time he had scored more than 20 points in a game and just the third time that he has scored in double figures. However, those three games have come in his last three games, so it looks like he is gaining extra trust from JJ Redick and the Lakers coaching staff.

He will look to continue building on his current path when the Lakers play on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz.