Dalton Knecht, South Bay Lakers Beat Vipers Without Bronny James to Advance in G League Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, have moved onto the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 112-97 on Friday at home.

Five players scored 11 or more points, with former Gonzaga standout big man Drew Timme leading the way with 26 alongside eight rebounds and five assists. Dalton Knecht, the Lakers' first-round pick in 2024, enjoyed a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double. Kobe Bufkin, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, added 18 points.

South Bay was without guard Bronny James, who is currently with the L.A. Lakers on the road as the team prepares to play the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. South Bay has won its last 15 games with James on the court.

For the Vipers, Daishen Nix led all scorers with 35 points.

South Bay will now host the Stockton Kings on Sunday, with the winner going to the best-of-three G League Finals. The Osceola Magic and Greensboro Swarm will also play Sunday to determine the Eastern Conference's winner.