The Rollercoaster Week of Dalton Knecht: From the Lakers to Charlotte and Back Again
SALT LAKE CITY — In what can only be described as an unprecedented and chaotic series of events, Dalton Knecht went from being a Los Angeles Laker, to a Charlotte Hornet, and back to the Lakers in the span of just a week. The whirlwind week culminated in a return to the Lakers for their 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, where Knecht scored 10 points in 17 minutes. For the first time publicly, Knecht reflected on the wild journey that took him across teams, cities, and back again.
“It was a crazy time,” Knecht said after his first game back in Los Angeles. “It felt like a movie.”
The Trade: A Sudden Shift
The unusual situation began on February 5, when Knecht was going through his normal routine at the Lakers’ practice facility. Preparing for shooting drills, he was interrupted after making his 20th free throw by a call from Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. Knecht was informed that he had been traded to the Charlotte Hornets. The trade also included Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round pick in exchange for 7-foot center Mark Williams.
For Knecht, the news was tough to process. “It was hard,” he admitted. “I got drafted here, so L.A. means a lot.”
Knecht packed his bags and flew to Charlotte the next day, where he began onboarding with his new team. However, the situation
Back to L.A.
On Sunday, Knecht received a call from Pelinka informing him that the trade was off, and that he would be returning to the Lakers. “Rob called me and said, ‘You’re coming back,'” Knecht recalled. Despite the turbulence of the situation, Knecht remained focused on his ultimate goal: playing basketball. “I was just excited to go out there and hoop, no matter where I was going,” he said.
Knecht flew back to Los Angeles, where he met with Pelinka and Lakers’ coach JJ Redick. “I just want to hoop,” Knecht told them. “I get it’s a business, so at the end of the day, I told them, ‘Let’s just go play basketball.'”
The Team’s Reaction: Support Amidst Chaos
Upon his return, Knecht was greeted warmly by his Lakers teammates, who welcomed him back with open arms and joked that he was making his “debut” all over again. “This league is a business and trades happen,” said teammate Austin Reaves. “I’ve never seen something like this happen. So, this is the first for me. At the end of the day, he’s got to come in and be a professional. Go out there and do his job, and I thought he was good tonight.”
Reaves, recognizing that Knecht had likely not played a game in nearly a week, expressed excitement for his teammate’s return. “Can’t wait to get him back out there acclimated with everything that we’re doing because he’s going to help us be successful.”
Coach JJ Redick, too, was focused on getting Knecht back into the rhythm of the team. “I thought his spirit was good,” Redick said. “He played well. We’re not going to talk about it anymore. We’ve talked about it. He’s in a good spot. We’re good.”
Looking Forward: The Future for Knecht
As for Knecht, his mindset remains centered on doing what he loves. “I’m just doing what I love to do, going out there and playing,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just going to compete hard wherever I go, and hopefully it’s L.A.”
Despite the whirlwind week and the uncertainty surrounding his trade status, Knecht’s focus remains on his role with the Lakers. He’s eager to move forward and contribute to the team’s success, having gained a newfound appreciation for the business side of the NBA. As the dust settles on the rescinded trade, the Lakers are ready to welcome Knecht back into their fold, and he’s determined to make the most of his opportunity in L.A.
In a business that often deals with uncertainty and rapid changes, Knecht’s journey stands out as a reminder of just how quickly things can shift for NBA players. But for now, it seems Knecht has found his footing once more with the Lakers, ready to prove himself in the purple and gold.
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