The 2025-2026 NBA season hasn’t officially tipped off, but tensions are already running high. Just one week before the regular season begins, the Lakers and Warriors clashed in a pair of electrifying preseason matchups-setting the stage for a budding rivalry between sophomore Dalton Knecht and veteran Draymond Green.
Each team defended home court in the mini-series: the Warriors edged out a 111-103 win in San Francisco, while the Lakers responded with a 126-116 victory in Los Angeles.
Though technically preseason, the games carried playoff-level intensity and delivered plenty of memorable moments. Chief among them? A fiery exchange between Knecht and Green that has fans buzzing.
Knecht vs. Green: A rivalry is born
Early in the third quarter of the second game, with the Lakers leading 70-59, DeAndre Ayton stepped to the free-throw line. As Knecht and Green stood shoulder to shoulder, awaiting the rebound, cameras captured a brief but heated exchange.
While Knecht’s words weren’t audible, Green’s response was crystal clear-and instantly viral:
“Don’t talk shit to me. You got traded and got traded back.”
Green was referencing the Lakers’ failed trade with the Charlotte Hornets, which briefly sent Knecht to Charlotte in a deal for Mark Williams. When Williams failed his physical, the trade collapsed, and Knecht returned to Los Angeles just days later.
What’s next for the Lakers and Warriors?
The Lakers have three preseason games left-against Phoenix, Dallas, and Sacramento-while the Warriors will face Portland and the Clippers before the regular season begins.
The two teams are set to meet again on October 21 in their season opener. With tensions already simmering, fans will be watching closely to see if the Knecht-Green rivalry reignites under the bright lights.
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