Los Angeles Lakers Rally From Behind in Final Minutes to Stun Spurs 89-88 Behind Knecht’s Heroics and Swider’s Support

In a dramatic finish that brought the crowd to its feet and left fans breathless, the Los Angeles Lakers clawed their way back from the brink of defeat to snatch an 89-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. It was a game defined by resilience, guts, and clutch performances—particularly from rookie standout Dalton Knecht and rising forward Cole Swider, who combined to deliver one of the most improbable comebacks of the Lakers’ young season.

Trailing for most of the night and with momentum firmly in San Antonio’s grip, the Lakers refused to bow. Instead, they rose, play by play, possession by possession. The scoreboard tells one story—just a single-point margin. But what unfolded in the final minutes was the kind of basketball that shows what makes the purple and gold franchise synonymous with grit, legacy, and unforgettable finishes.

Dalton Knecht, the electric rookie who continues to prove that he belongs on the big stage, finished the night with 25 points, eight rebounds, and some of the biggest buckets of the game. His shooting from beyond the arc—4-of-8—was instrumental in keeping the Lakers within striking distance. And when the moment called for poise and production, Knecht answered with authority.

Swider, a sharpshooter who has spent the last year carving out a role for himself in the Lakers rotation, added 15 points and five boards of his own. Though he struggled from deep—just 2-of-8 from downtown—he hit a crucial three late in the fourth quarter that pulled the Lakers within two points, energizing both his teammates and the crowd.

The Lakers’ final push began with just under three minutes remaining. Down by seven, and with the Spurs executing well on both ends, the Lakers needed a spark. It came in the form of defensive pressure. A key steal by Max Christie turned into a fast-break layup. Then came a stop, a Knecht jumper, and another forced turnover. Suddenly, a seven-point hole turned into a one-possession game.

With just under a minute to go and the Lakers trailing 88-86, Knecht curled off a screen and nailed a long two from the baseline to tie it up. On the Spurs’ next possession, a miscommunication between Blake Wesley and Charles Bediako resulted in a shot-clock violation, giving the Lakers the ball with 19.8 seconds left.

From there, the drama unfolded.

Everyone in the Crypto.com Arena expected the ball to go to Knecht. Instead, the Lakers ran a misdirection set that freed Swider at the top of the key. He rose and fired, but the shot clanked off the rim. Amid a sea of bodies, Knecht soared in to grab the rebound, fought through contact, and managed to tip the ball back in with just 2.1 seconds left. Lakers up, 89-88.

The Spurs, without timeouts, had to inbound quickly. Wesley raced up the floor and managed a desperate heave from just inside half-court. It hit the front iron and fell harmlessly to the hardwood as the buzzer blared and the Lakers bench erupted.

The win, while not the prettiest, showcased something far more important than offensive fluidity or three-point efficiency: it proved the Lakers can gut out close games, even when their backs are against the wall.

Head coach Darvin Ham couldn’t stop praising the effort. “We talk about competing through adversity, and tonight was the textbook example. That’s a team that didn’t quit. We stayed in it, believed, and executed late.”

He also made a point to spotlight Knecht’s continued evolution.

“What Dalton’s doing is no fluke,” Ham said. “He’s growing in front of our eyes. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a gamer. He wants the ball in big moments, and he delivers.”

Knecht, humble in the postgame presser, deflected the attention.

“I just wanted to make a play,” he said. “We were fighting all game, and I knew if I got that rebound, we had a chance. Credit to the team—we all locked in when it mattered.”

Swider echoed the sentiment, saying, “That’s a total team win. I missed that three, and I’m glad Dalton had my back. That’s what good teams do—we pick each other up.”

Indeed, it was a game that highlighted how far this Lakers squad has come in terms of chemistry and trust. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis sitting out for rest, the spotlight shifted to the younger crop—players fighting for minutes, contracts, and the respect of the league.

Maxwell Lewis and Jalen Hood-Schifino both chipped in solid minutes, with Lewis adding timely defense and Hood-Schifino facilitating with poise under pressure. Rookie big man Colin Castleton also earned praise for his physicality in the paint, especially during a stretch in the third quarter where the Spurs looked like they might run away with it.

The Spurs, to their credit, played hard and efficiently for most of the game. Wesley led them with 19 points, while Dominick Barlow chipped in 14. Julian Champagnie added 13 off the bench, hitting several key threes that gave San Antonio breathing room throughout the second half. But when the lights got brightest, the young Spurs simply couldn’t seal the deal.

For the Lakers, this win may not shift the standings or make headlines across the NBA, but it means something internally. It affirms the identity being forged during these summer battles—one rooted in hustle, teamwork, and late-game toughness.

And for Knecht? Each game is another step in his journey from Tennessee standout to NBA impact player. His 9-of-18 shooting line reflects both volume and efficiency. His 25-point effort is his highest so far in summer competition. But more importantly, it came when his team needed it the most.

With each clutch shot, rebound, and defensive rotation, Knecht is building trust within the organization—and putting the rest of the league on notice.

The Lakers’ summer roster is filled with players hungry for roles and recognition. Swider wants to show he’s more than just a streaky shooter. Christie continues to make his case as a reliable two-way guard. Hood-Schifino wants to prove he’s ready to back up D’Angelo Russell. And Knecht? He’s chasing something greater. He’s chasing greatness.

There’s a long road ahead. Training camp, preseason rotations, and the eventual grind of an 82-game schedule await. But nights like these—where heart trumps stats and hustle outweighs reputation—are the ones that set the tone for the battles to come.

For a franchise built on banners, winning matters. Even in the summer. Even by one point. Even with stars in street clothes.

The Lakers won. And in doing so, they reminded everyone why the name on the front of the jersey carries so much weight.

As the players filed off the court, the smiles said it all. There’s joy in winning, yes. But there’s something deeper in earning a win the hard way. Especially when it comes against the odds.

Especially when it comes as a Laker.