The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough 99-93 defeat against the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their NBA playoff series at Crypto.com Arena, and former Tennessee standout Dalton Knecht was notably absent from the court.

Knecht, who was selected by the Lakers as the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, did not see playing time due to a coach's decision. It's a quiet moment for the rookie, especially after his promising college career left fans eager to see him shine on the postseason stage.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals over 39 minutes. Austin Reaves chipped in 22 points in 34 minutes, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rockets' disciplined play.

Before entering the NBA, Knecht made a name for himself at Tennessee after transferring from Northern Colorado. During the 2023-24 season under coach Rick Barnes, he averaged an impressive 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His leadership helped the Volunteers secure an SEC regular-season championship and a historic run to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight—only the second time in school history.

Now, the Lakers and Rockets are set to continue their series with Game 6 on Friday at 9:30 p.m. EDT at Toyota Center in Houston. Will Knecht get his chance to contribute? Fans will be watching closely.

For Lakers supporters and Dalton Knecht enthusiasts alike, this playoff journey is just beginning. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds.