After being drafted by the Lakers, Dalton Knecht found that he couldn’t wear his usual jersey number, 3, which he had donned in Tennessee, because it was already claimed by Anthony Davis. Seeking a new number that had a nice ring to it, he aimed for a moniker similar to what Paul George enjoyed with PG-13. Little did he know that Lakers superfan Snoop Dogg would bestow upon him a new nickname, despite his existing “Knecht 4.” Ultimately, he left the decision to the fans, agreeing with the results but giving the musician a slight edge.

On Thursday after practice, Knecht shared the final decision on his nickname with the reporters. “I did a poll,” the hooper revealed. “It’s, like, 78-22 Knecht 4 one. So, I guess Knecht 4 is the one.” Despite going with the fans’ voting, Knecht happily gave the authority to the rapper to call him “Westside Knecht.” Even the media agreed that he could have more than one nickname.

Snoop Dogg came up with the moniker last week on First Take while discussing his favorite team and their mission this season. “You’re calling him by his wrong name. His new name is Westside Knecht,” the composer declared. This made Stephen A. Smith burst into laughter. This is not the first time the 53-year-old has suggested a nickname.

Following the Lakers’ thrilling victory over the Grizzlies in the nail-biting Game 1 of the 2023 playoffs, their certified fan Snoop Dogg took to social media to announce that they are the “United Nations.” Before anyone gets confused, it was the nickname the rapper chose for the LA side during his post-game trash-talking speech because of their diverse roster.

While giving Knecht the new name, Snoop Dogg also mentioned, “Westside Knecht he’ll put that money up.” He did exactly that on his debut in the Purple and Gold against the Timberwolves.

Dalton Knecht could live up to Snoop Dogg’s expectations

Knecht entered the game in the second quarter and helped teammate Jaxson Hayes with an assist. Within a couple of seconds, the Crypto.com Arena crowd were on their feet watching the rookie shoot a stunning 3-pointer. His first-ever bucket on the opening night. And then came another one. By the end of Tuesday night, he had added 5 points, a rebound, and two assists to his name along with the 110-103 victory.

Knecht was part of the team that succeeded in winning the Lakers’ opening night game after 8 years of trying. Thrilled with the experience and atmosphere, the hooper said, “First time in Crypto and going out there for the first time at shootaround it was real cool just to be out there in the arena. Right around tip-off it was real cool especially.”

If Knecht keeps his shooting game on, then he could be an integral part of JJ Redick’s game plan this season and could have many more nicknames coming his way through his performance. Setting up his nickname to be Knecht 4, he is also leaving ample room for the commentators to shout “Knecht 4 the win”.