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'It felt like a movie': Dalton Knecht reacts to failed Hornets trade, return to Lakers

IMG_3593by:Grant Ramey•about 13 hours•

GrantRamey

Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(Bill Streicher-Imagn Images) Jan 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.

Dalton Knecht made his on-court return with the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, scoring 10 points in 17 minutes off the bench in a 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz. 

He was 3-for-7 from the 3-point line, made a free throw and added a steal, closing the book on a whirlwind week that saw the rookie traded from the Lakers to the Charlotte Hornets, then sent back days later after the trade was rescinded. 

“It was a crazy time,” Knecht told reporters Wednesday night. “It felt like a movie.”

Knecht was the 17th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft last June, selected by the Lakers after dropping as a projected lottery pick. He was initially traded to the Hornets, along with Cam Reddish and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, last Thursday for Hornets center Mark Williams. 

“It was hard,” Knecht said of the trade. “I got drafted here, so L.A. means a lot.”

Dalton Knecht: ‘I just want to go hoop … I told them, ‘Let’s just go play basketball'”

Williams reportedly failed a physical with the Lakers, canceling the trade on Saturday night.

Knecht was back with the Lakers for a 132-113 win over the Jazz Monday in Los Angeles, but he was on the bench in street clothes. 

“I just want to go hoop,” Knecht said. “I told that to JJ (Redick) and Rob (Pelinka). I get it’s a business, so at the end of the day, I told them, ‘Let’s just go play basketball.’”

Los Angeles had a need at center after stunning the NBA world with its trade for Luka Doncic, sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in the blockbuster trade. The Lakers signed center Alex Len off the buyout market on Tuesday. 

Dalton Knecht this season: 9.4 points per game, 46.4% FG, 36.0% 3FG

Knecht is averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 20.6 minutes per game, shooting 46.4% from the floor and 36.0% from the 3-point line. 

“I’m just doing what I love to do, going out there and playing,” Knecht said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just going to compete hard wherever I go, and hopefully it’s L.A. Whatever happens, I’m just going to go out there and compete.”

Redick after Wednesday’s game described Knecht spirit as “good” but added that he was done discussing the rescinded trade that returned Knecht to the Lakers roster.

“He played well,” Redick said. “We’re not going to talk about it anymore. We’ve talked about it. He’s in a good spot. We’re good.”

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