Lakers' Dalton Knecht Talks 'Crazy' Mark Williams Rescinded Trade: 'Felt Like a Movie'

Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Dalton Knecht had a whirlwind experience over the last week after his trade to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams was rescinded.

Knecht spoke publicly for the first time following Wednesday's 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz and reflected on the situation.

"It was a crazy time," Knecht said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "It felt like a movie."

Knecht, who scored 10 points in 17 minutes against the Jazz, explained that he was doing shooting drills at the Lakers' practice facility on Feb. 5 when he was interrupted for a meeting with general manager Rob Pelinka. He was informed that he was included in the deal to acquire Williams along with forward Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and the Lakers' 2031 first-round pick.

"It was hard," Knecht said. "I got drafted here, so L.A. means a lot."

Knecht traveled to Charlotte on Thursday and then accompanied his new team to Detroit on Saturday for its game against the Pistons the following day. However, once he landed in Detroit, he received a call from Pelinka informing him that he was returning to Los Angeles. He flew back to the West Coast on Sunday and met with Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick the next day.

"I just want to go hoop. I told that to JJ and Rob," Knecht said. "I get it's a business, so at the end of the day, I told them, 'Let's just go play basketball.'"

The trade was rescinded due to Williams' failed physical, but ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Hornets contacted NBA to dispute the Lakers' assessment. Knecht said he had "no clue" about the possibility of the league reversing the trade again, but he's focused on improving his game regardless of where he's playing.

"I'm just doing what I love to do, going out there and playing," Knecht said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm just going to compete hard wherever I go, and hopefully it's L.A. Whatever happens, I'm just going to go out there and compete."