Rookie guard Dalton Knecht is now back with the Los Angeles Lakers after his trade to the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded. Following the Lakers’ loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Knecht discussed the rollercoaster of events in a press conference, describing the experience as a “crazy time” that “felt like a movie.”

Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was originally traded to the Hornets on February 5. The deal included sending Cam Reddish and future picks to Charlotte in exchange for Mark Williams.

The very next day, Knecht was en route to Charlotte, ready to meet his new team, but soon enough, he was informed that the trade had collapsed after Williams failed his physical. He described this turn of events as a poor-timed twist, requiring him to return to Los Angeles.

“Rob called me and said, ‘You’re coming back,’” said Knecht. “I was just excited to go out there and hoop, no matter where I was going. I told that to [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] and Rob. I get it’s a business, so at the end of the day, I told them, ‘Let’s just go play basketball.’”

After watching the game in street clothes against the Jazz, Knecht made a comeback in their next matchup, scoring 10 points with three 3-pointers in just 17 minutes.

Redick commented, “I thought his spirit was good. He played well. We’re not going to talk about it anymore. He’s in a good spot. We’re good.”

Meanwhile, the Hornets have reached out to explore options regarding the rescinded trade, although chances of reversing the situation are slim. According to NBA beat reporter Jovan Buha, as long as the Lakers can substantiate their reasons for pulling the deal, they stand a high chance of following through with their recision.

Knecht remains resolved: “Whatever happens, happens. I’m just going to compete hard wherever I go.”