Lakers’ forward Dalton Knecht reflected publicly for the first time on the chaotic circumstances surrounding his trade to the Charlotte Hornets, which was later rescinded. The 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday marked Knecht’s return to the Lakers after being traded just a week ago.
Knecht stated that the experience felt like a movie and admitted it was hard for him to accept his departure from the team where he had been drafted in June last year. However, when told of the trade being off, Knecht flew back to Los Angeles and rejoined his teammates.
“I just want to go hoop,” Knecht said. “I get it’s a business, so at the end of the day, I told them, ‘Let’s just go play basketball.'”
Knecht returned to the Lakers on Sunday and met with coach JJ Redick on Monday, where he expressed his desire to compete hard wherever he went. His teammates welcomed him back with open arms, joking that he was making his debut all over again.
Redick stated that Knecht played well despite being out of action for an extended period and praised the forward’s spirit. The coach emphasized that the team is now moving on from the controversy surrounding the trade and are focused on their next game against the Utah Jazz.
Knekt’s comments come as the Hornets dispute the Lakers’ failed physical assessment of Mark Williams, but Knecht remains committed to competing hard and hoping to return to the team he loves.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43821410/lakers-dalton-knecht-says-trade-chaos-felt-movie