LeBron James Teases Dalton Knecht as Ohio State Takes Control Against Tennessee

Even off the basketball court, LeBron James keeps the competition alive. The Los Angeles Lakers star used Saturday’s historic matchup between Ohio State and Tennessee in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff to engage in some friendly banter with his teammate, Dalton Knecht. The game saw Ohio State jump to an early 21–0 lead, giving LeBron plenty of ammunition to tease Knecht, who has strong ties to Tennessee as a former Volunteer basketball standout.

Friendly Fire in the Lakers Locker Room

As the Lakers players tuned into the game, LeBron’s Ohio roots became the center of attention. An avid supporter of Ohio State, LeBron couldn’t resist poking fun at Knecht when the Buckeyes dominated the early stages of the game. During an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, LeBron turned his attention toward Knecht with a playful jab:

“Hey! DK! 21–0! Don’t worry about it,” LeBron said, laughing. He even brought fellow Buckeye alumnus and Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell into the mix, saying, “Hey DLo! Tell him now!”

LeBron’s enthusiasm for his home state’s flagship team was on full display, highlighting the camaraderie—and competitive spirit—shared among Lakers teammates.

Ohio State Dominates Early, Tennessee Fights Back

The Buckeyes, ranked No. 6, came out of the gates with a commanding performance, quickly establishing a three-touchdown lead over No. 7 Tennessee. Their dominance was evident on both sides of the ball, with explosive offensive plays and a stifling defense that left the Volunteers scrambling for answers.

However, Tennessee showed resilience, clawing back with 10 unanswered points before halftime. As the Volunteers regained their footing, the momentum shift gave Knecht a glimmer of hope—and perhaps some material for a rebuttal should Tennessee mount a second-half comeback.

LeBron James and His Love for Ohio State

LeBron’s loyalty to Ohio State University is no secret. Though he skipped college to go straight to the NBA, his deep connection to Ohio has made him one of the Buckeyes’ most vocal supporters. From attending games to cheering them on during pivotal moments, LeBron has consistently shown his pride for his home state’s premier college football program.

For the four-time NBA champion, moments like Saturday’s game offer an opportunity to blend his love for sports with lighthearted interactions with teammates. His good-natured ribbing of Knecht exemplifies the bond within the Lakers locker room, where rivalries often turn into fodder for jokes.

Dalton Knecht’s Tennessee Ties

For Dalton Knecht, the game was more than just entertainment—it was a battle of pride. Having played college basketball for the Volunteers, Knecht carries his Tennessee roots with pride. His support for his alma mater was evident as he backed the Vols against the Buckeyes, despite their rough start.

The 25-year-old forward has become a valuable member of the Lakers since joining the team, and moments like this highlight the unique camaraderie that sports can foster, even amid rivalries.

The Bigger Picture

Saturday’s game was not only a showcase of Ohio State’s football prowess but also a testament to the broader impact of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The expanded format has brought even more excitement and engagement to college football, drawing in fans from all walks of life, including professional athletes like LeBron and Knecht.

As the second half loomed, the stakes were high—not just for Ohio State and Tennessee, but for the Lakers locker room dynamic. Whether the Buckeyes held their lead or the Volunteers mounted an epic comeback, the playful banter between LeBron and Knecht would undoubtedly continue, fueling the team’s camaraderie as they navigate their NBA season.