Dalton Knecht talks about his crazy week being traded from, and returning to, the Lakers

The NBA season is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and for Dalton Knecht, a relatively unknown figure at the start of the 2025 season, the events that unfolded over the course of one week would change his life forever. The young forward, who had spent the first part of the season trying to carve out a role with the Los Angeles Lakers, found himself caught in the whirlwind of trade rumors, deals, and a return to the very team he thought he had been traded away from.

What could have been a chaotic, emotionally turbulent time for Knecht ended up being an incredible journey of resilience, growth, and redemption. As he sat down to reflect on his “crazy week,” he recounted everything that happened, from his trade to the Dallas Mavericks, to his surprising return to the Lakers—one of the most dramatic weeks of his young career.

The Build-Up: Knecht’s Time with the Lakers

Dalton Knecht, a highly touted prospect from the University of Colorado, had joined the Lakers during the 2025 offseason after impressing scouts with his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. Standing at 6’9″ and possessing a solid three-point shot and an aggressive driving game, Knecht was brought in to add depth to the Lakers’ forward position, a role that was becoming increasingly important as the team looked to integrate new players like Luka Dončić into their system.

Though Knecht was not expected to be a major contributor right away, he showed flashes of potential in training camp and early-season games. He demonstrated an ability to guard multiple positions, rebound effectively, and knock down perimeter shots. However, the crowded Lakers roster—featuring established stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the newly acquired Dončić—meant that playing time was limited for young players like Knecht.

Despite the challenges, Knecht was determined to make an impact. He worked hard to improve his game, whether by refining his shooting, learning to play off the ball, or getting more comfortable with the defensive schemes that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham was implementing. But as the trade deadline approached, Knecht realized that his future with the team might not be as secure as he had hoped.

The Trade: A Shocking Move to the Dallas Mavericks

In the week leading up to the trade deadline, whispers around the league began to intensify. The Lakers were in the hunt for a deeper playoff push, and while their star power was undeniable, there were still gaps in the roster that needed to be filled. One area of concern was the Lakers’ bench depth, particularly in the frontcourt, where they lacked a reliable backup center.

The rumors swirled, and on the morning of the trade deadline, Dalton Knecht received a phone call that would change everything.

“I was on my way to practice, just like any other day,” Knecht recalled. “I didn’t expect anything major to happen, but then I got a call from my agent. He told me that I was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for a package deal that included a future draft pick and some bench pieces.”

The news came as a shock. Knecht had not expected to be traded, especially after working so hard to carve out a role with the Lakers. While the Mavericks were a rising force in the Western Conference, with players like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, it was difficult for Knecht to process the emotions of leaving a team he had just joined.

“It was a whirlwind,” Knecht said. “I had no clue this was coming. I didn’t even know I was on the trade radar. At first, I was just shocked. It’s a huge change. One minute you’re in Los Angeles, the next you’re packing up to head to Dallas.”

Knecht quickly packed his things, said his goodbyes to his Lakers teammates, and flew out to Dallas. But even as he boarded the plane, the uncertainty weighed on him. Would he fit in with the Mavericks? Would he get the playing time he needed to develop? These were all questions that raced through his mind as the trade became official.

The Dallas Mavericks Experience: A New Opportunity

When Knecht arrived in Dallas, he was met with a sense of excitement and a fresh start. The Mavericks, already playoff-bound with their All-Star duo of Dončić and Irving, welcomed him with open arms. The Mavericks saw Knecht as a young forward with a lot of upside—someone who could bring energy off the bench and develop into a key contributor for years to come.

“I was excited to join a team with so much talent,” Knecht said, reflecting on the first days of his time in Dallas. “Luka and Kyrie are incredible players, and I knew I could learn a lot from them. I was ready to roll up my sleeves and put in the work.”

For the next few days, Knecht threw himself into practices with the Mavericks, trying to learn their offensive and defensive systems while also forging relationships with his new teammates. The initial days were encouraging, as he was able to showcase his abilities in a new environment. But just as he was starting to find his rhythm with Dallas, another bombshell dropped: the trade was being rescinded.

The Return to the Lakers: An Unexpected Twist

It seemed impossible, but it happened. Just days after Knecht joined the Mavericks, the Lakers and Mavericks reached a mutual decision to reverse the trade. In a shocking turn of events, Dalton Knecht was on his way back to Los Angeles.

“The news hit me out of nowhere,” Knecht said, laughing at the absurdity of the situation. “I had just started getting comfortable in Dallas, and then I get a call from my agent again, telling me I’m going back to the Lakers. I couldn’t believe it.”

The circumstances surrounding the reversal of the trade are still somewhat unclear, but the general understanding is that the Lakers and Mavericks disagreed over the structure of the trade and ultimately decided that it wasn’t in their best interest to move forward with the deal. While it was a rare occurrence, trade reversals are not entirely unheard of in the NBA, and teams can sometimes change course if they feel a deal no longer benefits them.

For Knecht, though, it was an emotional rollercoaster. His brief stint with the Mavericks allowed him to meet new teammates and experience a new system, but he had also started to emotionally invest in his role with the Lakers. Now, he was heading back to the same team he had just left, a team that had traded him away. He was unsure of what his place would be upon his return.

Rejoining the Lakers: A Fresh Start and New Perspective

When Knecht arrived back in Los Angeles, he had to reorient himself quickly. He was no longer just a young player trying to make the most of his minutes—he was now a player who had been traded and returned, a fact that would inevitably affect the locker room dynamic.

The Lakers’ veterans, especially LeBron James and Anthony Davis, welcomed Knecht back, but they also made it clear that he needed to prove himself once again.

“LeBron and AD were both supportive,” Knecht said. “But they also made sure I knew that nothing was given to me. I had to come back and work hard. The Lakers are a team with championship expectations, and there’s no time for drama. I respected that.”

Knecht quickly found his groove back in the Lakers’ system. Though he was still on the fringes of the rotation, he found himself taking on important minutes when the team needed a burst of energy. The Lakers’ chemistry was already high, with the star power of James, Dončić, and Davis leading the charge, but Knecht’s return provided a fresh dynamic to the team—a hungry young player eager to prove that he belonged.

“I was determined to show the Lakers that I could contribute to the team,” Knecht said. “I wasn’t just going to sit around and feel sorry for myself. I knew my role was to come in and give the team a spark whenever I could. Whether that meant playing defense, hitting a big shot, or just bringing energy on the court, I had to be ready.”

The Aftermath: Knecht’s Resilience and the Lakers’ Future

Looking back on the week that changed his career, Knecht reflected on how much he had grown both as a player and a person. The emotional highs and lows of being traded away and then traded back were tough to handle, but Knecht took it all in stride.

“I had to learn how to handle adversity, and this week definitely taught me that,” Knecht said. “In the NBA, you’re going to face a lot of ups and downs, and it’s how you respond that defines you. I’m grateful for the experience, and I’m better for it.”

The Lakers’ coaching staff has taken notice of Knecht’s growth. Though his playing time has fluctuated, they appreciate his mental toughness and professionalism. Darvin Ham, the Lakers’ head coach, emphasized that Knecht’s perseverance through such an unpredictable situation bodes well for his future.

“Dalton has shown great resilience,” Ham said. “It’s not easy to go through what he did and come back the way he has. He’s proven that he has the right mentality to be a part of this team, and that’s what we need. He’s earned the respect of his teammates, and that means something.”

As the Lakers look ahead to their playoff push, Knecht’s journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA. One minute you’re traded, the next you’re back on the team that let you go. But through it all

, Knecht has shown that with the right mindset and determination, even the craziest of weeks can be turned into an opportunity for growth.

The Lakers may have had a chaotic week with their young forward, but they’re hoping that Knecht’s journey is just beginning. With his resilience and potential, Knecht’s future in Los Angeles may just be as bright as the city itself.