Image Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

“Get it together” – Lakers fans react to Dalton Knecht’s cold behaviour on bench during Lakers vs Jazz

On Monday, Dalton Knecht was back on the Lakers bench against the Jazz.

Image Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

It’s never a great feeling for a rookie to get traded. But it’s even more awkward when the trade falls apart, and they have to return to their old team. That’s exactly what happened to Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht.

The Lakers had agreed to trade Knecht, along with Cam Reddish and future draft picks, to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams. But after reviewing Williams’ medicals, the Lakers backed out of the deal a day after the deadline passed.

Knecht, who was the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 48 games. He was seen as a promising young talent, but with the Lakers bringing in Luka Doncic, his playing time was expected to take a hit. That’s one reason the team was willing to trade him as they badly needed a center after Anthony Davis left.

On Monday, Knecht was back on the Lakers bench against the Jazz. He was ruled out for “personal reasons.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick addressed the situation before the game.

“I spoke with him this morning,” Redick said. “I expressed to him the empathy and grace that I will give him and have for him right now. He has, obviously, been through a whirlwind of emotion as a rookie over the last few days. We believe in the strength of the group and having him around today. … He is, obviously, processing everything that has happened.”

But once the game started, fans quickly noticed that Knecht barely reacted to anything. He sat quietly on the bench, showing little emotion.

Dalton Knecht looks PISSED 😭 pic.twitter.com/Nujp7jZ78A
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) February 11, 2025

Fans took to social media and reacted to the rookie’s cold behavior on his return. While some sympathized with the 23-year-old, many pointed out that it’s just business and Knecht needs to act mature.

Check out some reactions:

Rookie needs to stop acting like a vet and get it together
— Wizely 🫥🌙 (@Wizelycook) February 11, 2025

he gotta learn early it’s a business
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) February 11, 2025

Doesn’t know if he’s staying or not. Shitty situation I feel for him
— lakersologist (@lakersologist) February 11, 2025

Can't act like a diva when you're this new in the league. He hasn't proven anything yet. The Lakers don't owe him anything.
— SageTreacherous (@SageTreacherous) February 11, 2025

He needs to man up, it’s business, you’re back in Paradise with a Top 5 All-Time player and an established superstar, could have been playing in bumtown with Melo. Be grateful for them palm trees!
— Leo Arcanum (@LeoArcanum) February 11, 2025

cant blame him but i mean he might win a chip so he better start turning up
— nathanjr (@n4thanjr) February 11, 2025

Hornets plan to dispute Mark Williams’ failed Lakers physical

Although Knecht is back with the Lakers for now, his future remains uncertain. According to Shams Charania, the Hornets are planning to contact the NBA to explore ways to challenge the failed trade.

Also Read:

Lakers fans in shock after Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht trade gets rescinded
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Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht sets the Suns down with 20 straight points in preseason clash

“The Charlotte Hornets have been in contact with the NBA as they explore options to dispute the Los Angeles Lakers’ failed physical assessment of Mark Williams,” Charania posted on X. “The Williams/Knecht trade was nixed Saturday, and now the Hornets weigh avenues to challenge.”

The Lakers will next travel to Utah for the reverse fixture on Feb. 12.

Dalton Knecht

Los Angeles Lakers

Swati Bhatia

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.