Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided a positive update on the status of rookie forward Dalton Knecht, indicating that he is likely to return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
Knecht’s return follows the unexpected reversal of the trade that sent him to the Charlotte Hornets. As previously reported by ESPN, the trade was rescinded due to concerns raised during Mark Williams’ physical examination.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s YouTube Channel
The failed trade has had a cascading effect. Knecht, who had briefly joined the Charlotte Hornets following the initial trade, participated in a shootaround with his new teammates on Friday. However, the unexpected reversal of the trade has now returned him to the Lakers. Since then, he has been on the injury report due to personal issues.
Los Angeles Lakers, Reddick Currently Giving Dalton Knecht Space
“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 the group today. … He is, obviously, processing everything that has happened.”
Knecht has yet to comment on the situation, but it remains fluid as the Hornets are now disputing the Lakers’ claims of a failed physical. If overturned, Knecht could land back with the Eastern Conference team.
Knecht, the 17th pick out of Tennessee last year, is averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds on 35.8% shooting from 3-point range in 48 games. He is seventh in the rookie class in scoring average and has the highest-scoring game by a first-year player after recording 37 points on Nov. 19.