The Los Angeles Lakers thought they struck gold when they landed Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The former Tennessee Volunteers star came in with a reputation as a sharp shooter, boasting elite athleticism and a high basketball IQ. Fast forward eight months, and Knecht was no longer just a promising young piece—he was almost gone.
In a blockbuster move, the Lakers made waves by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, sending Anthony Davis in return. But with Davis gone, the team found itself scrambling for size, prompting a quick trade to bring in Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams. The cost? Dalton Knecht.
Just as quickly as he was dealt, though, he was back. The trade fell apart when Williams failed his medical, leaving Knecht back in purple and gold, but with a fresh perspective on the business of basketball.
Knecht on His Return: “Glad to Be Back. Get to Learn from Luka Now.”
After what felt like an emotional whirlwind, Dalton Knecht made his first public comments about the situation at the NBA Rising Stars Game in San Francisco. While still adjusting to the reality of almost leaving the Lakers, Knecht took a mature approach, embracing the opportunity that had suddenly landed in his lap.
“It’s strange. One of the few people that’s ever gotten traded and then come back,” Knecht admitted. “Glad to be back and be a part of the team. Get to learn from Luka now.”
Knecht’s unexpected second chance in Los Angeles means he’ll be sharing the floor with one of the most gifted offensive players in NBA history. Doncic, a perennial MVP candidate, led the league with 33.9 points per game last season and has established himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in basketball.
For a rookie like Knecht, the learning curve will be steep—but the potential rewards are massive. Playing alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and now Doncic, Knecht has the opportunity to develop under some of the best basketball minds in the world.
Dalton Knecht’s Versatility Could Be Key for Lakers’ Future Success
While he may not be the headliner on a Lakers team loaded with talent, Knecht has already shown that he belongs. His 6-foot-6 frame, elite shooting ability, and explosiveness make him a valuable weapon in JJ Redick’s system.
Knecht’s versatility is another reason why his presence in Los Angeles is significant. He can slide between shooting guard and small forward, providing the Lakers with lineup flexibility. With LeBron James aging, there’s a real possibility that Knecht could develop into an important scoring option in the near future.
Though he has played a supporting role so far this season, his 49 games played (12 starts), 9.4 points per game, and 3.0 rebounds per game prove he can make an impact at the NBA level.
Knecht on the Chaos of His Trade Saga: “It Felt Like a Movie”
For a young player still adjusting to life in the NBA, finding out that you’ve been traded—only to return days later—is something few can truly prepare for. Knecht described the experience as surreal.
“It was a crazy time. It felt like a movie.”
Despite the turbulence, Knecht showed maturity beyond his years, understanding that this was simply part of the business. He shared how he handled the situation with head coach JJ Redick and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
“I just want to go hoop. I told that to JJ and Rob. I get it’s a business, so at the end of the day. I told them, ‘Let’s just go play basketball.’”
That type of mentality is exactly what a franchise like the Lakers wants to see from a young player. Knecht isn’t dwelling on what could have been—he’s focused on what’s ahead.
A Bright Future Ahead for Knecht in Purple and Gold
Now that the dust has settled, Dalton Knecht remains a Laker—and that might just be a blessing in disguise. Instead of heading to a struggling Charlotte Hornets team, Knecht gets to develop alongside one of the NBA’s greatest young stars in Luka Doncic.
While his rookie season has already had more plot twists than a Hollywood drama, Knecht is proving that he has the right attitude to handle the highs and lows of professional basketball.
His next challenge? Earning a bigger role in a deep Lakers rotation and showing that his name belongs alongside the NBA’s rising stars.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.