Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht opened up about his whirlwind expertise of being traded to the Charlotte Hornets after which returning simply days later. The 23-year-old was a part of a deal that despatched him and Cam Reddish to Charlotte for Mark Williams and future draft picks, just for the commerce to be rescinded when Williams failed his bodily.
Knecht admitted the scenario was tough however remained targeted on taking part in. “It was a loopy time,” he stated. “Not too many individuals completed that. However on the finish of the day, I simply wished to hoop.”
The previous Tennessee standout detailed how he realized in regards to the commerce, recalling that it felt surreal. “It felt like a film,” Knecht stated. “After that sport, got here again the following day, went to get some photographs up within the fitness center, 20 free throws in… and Rob [Pelinka] referred to as me up there and advised me the information.”
The rookie described how he rapidly traveled to Charlotte to fulfill with the Hornets earlier than heading to Detroit, the place he anticipated to make his debut. Earlier than that would occur, he received one other name from Pelinka.
“I fly to Detroit to what was referred to as my debut sport to then now I’m flying again to LA,” Knecht stated. “Rob referred to as me and stated you’re coming again.”
Regardless of the uncertainty, Knecht emphasised that he by no means misplaced deal with his objective. “I simply need to go hoop,” he stated. “I advised that to JJ [Redick] and Rob. I get it’s a enterprise on the finish of the day. I advised them simply ‘Let’s go play basketball.’”
Knecht returned to motion for the Lakers of their 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz, scoring 10 factors in 17 minutes. He supplied a scoring set off the bench, however Los Angeles struggled to comprise Lauri Markkanen, who completed with 32 factors and three steals.
Jordan Clarkson added 21 factors, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists for Utah, whereas Keyonte George recorded 20 factors and 10 assists off the bench. The Jazz ended a three-game shedding streak and improved to 13-40, whereas the Lakers fell to 32-20.
Los Angeles trailed by as many as 19 factors within the second quarter however reduce the deficit to 74-69 early within the third after three-pointers from LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Utah responded with a dominant 22-2 run, led by Clarkson and capped off by a tip-in dunk from Walker Kessler.
The Lakers struggled offensively throughout that stretch, managing only one area objective in 5 minutes. Rui Hachimura was their high scorer with 19 factors, whereas James had 18 factors, seven assists, and 6 rebounds. Luka Doncic added 16 factors, and Reaves contributed 15 factors and 11 assists.
Bronny James had a career-high 9 factors within the fourth quarter, however it wasn’t sufficient to spark a comeback. Utah shot 52.3% from the sector and made 15 three-pointers, whereas the Lakers completed at 44.6% capturing.
Regardless of the robust loss, Knecht stays targeted on shifting ahead with the Lakers. His capacity to remain locked in regardless of commerce uncertainty may very well be essential as Los Angeles pushes for a powerful end to the season.
