Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht returned to action on Wednesday after a tumultuous few days, including being traded and then re-acquired by the team. Knecht was part of a trade deal that went sour when the Hornets’ center Mark Williams failed his physical exam. The deal was rescinded just three days later.
Knecht was informed of the trade while shooting free throws at the Lakers’ practice facility on February 5. He met with Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick upon returning to Los Angeles, telling them he just wanted to get back on the floor. Knecht’s teammates welcomed him back warmly, jokingly referring to his return as a “debut” game.
In his first game back, Knecht scored 10 points (3-7 shooting) and had one steal in 17 minutes against the Utah Jazz. He praised teammate Luka Dončić, calling it “crazy” how he passes the ball. The Lakers will enter the All-Star break at 32-20, having won 12 of their last 15 games.
Knecht remains focused on playing basketball, saying “I don’t care about anything. I just want to go play.” He is ready for whatever comes next, despite the drama surrounding the trade dispute with the NBA and the Hornets.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6133430/2025/02/13/lakers-dalton-knecht-return-hornets-trade