Dalton Knecht has had a whirlwind rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and after nearly being traded, he’s now embracing his place on the team once again.
“Like you said, it’s strange, one of the few people that’s ever gotten traded and then come back. So, it’s been a crazy journey. Just glad to be back and be a part of the team. Get to learn from Luka now. I had AD-Bron, now with Luka and Bron, so it’s crazy. Get to learn from a lot of greats.”
Dalton Knecht on being back with the #Lakers: “It’s strange, one of the few people that’s ever gotten traded and then come back…Glad to be back and be a part of the team. Get to learn from Luka now.”#Lakeshow #NBAAllStar #NBA #RisingStars
🎥: @NBA pic.twitter.com/0eRxLmL8Tp
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) February 15, 2025
The young guard had a brief moment where it looked like he was heading to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal to acquire Mark Williams, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical. Now, Knecht is back in purple and gold, and rather than feeling slighted, he’s choosing to look at the positive side of things.
With the Lakers’ recent acquisition of Luka Doncic, Knecht now has the chance to play alongside another NBA superstar, adding to the wealth of knowledge he’s gained this season. At just 23 years old, he’s already had the opportunity to learn from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and now Doncic, making his development all the more promising.
Knecht had originally been sent to the Hornets as part of a deal to bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt, which had taken a hit after the Luka Doncic trade cost them Anthony Davis. The Lakers badly needed a big man, and Knecht was the asset moved to fill that void. However, when Williams failed his medical, the trade was canceled, and Knecht found himself right back in Los Angeles.
For a young player, experiencing trade talks can be jarring, but Knecht is handling it with the maturity of a seasoned veteran. Rather than dwelling on what could have been, he’s relishing the opportunity to stay in LA. This mindset speaks volumes about Knecht’s work ethic and determination, proving he’s focused on making an impact for the Lakers regardless of trade rumors.
Despite the brief trade drama, Knecht has had a solid rookie campaign, playing 49 games and averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He has shown flashes of elite scoring ability, particularly with his shooting and explosiveness, and has impressed Lakers fans with his work ethic.
During All-Star Weekend, he participated in the Rising Stars Challenge, where he made valuable contributions, helping Team Chris win the title and advance to a matchup against Shaquille O’Neal’s “OGs” team and get a chance to make a statement.
“It might be a lot of fun… We’re going to go out there and go against those guys. I’m not sure, I get to play against Bron right?”
“So I get to play against one of my teammates, so it’ll be a lot of fun to go out there and try to make a statement.”
For a rookie still finding his way in the league, getting to play against LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and other NBA legends is a dream opportunity.
With Doncic now in the mix, Knecht’s role might shift, but his potential as a shooter and perimeter scorer could make him a valuable asset off the bench. The Lakers have a deep backcourt rotation, but Knecht’s ability to space the floor, drive to the rim, and play tough defense ensures he’ll get meaningful minutes.
Though his name will likely surface in trade talks again in the future, for now, he’s embracing his time with the Lakers. With a championship mentality instilled by playing alongside LeBron and Luka, Knecht’s growth in LA could be something special to watch.
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