Dalton Knecht Stats Tonight: How did Lakers rookie fare in return after shocking Mark Williams trade gets rescinded? (Feb. 12)

Dalton Knecht returned to the LA Lakers lineup after a whirlwind week for the rookie. The first-round pick was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 5 for Mark Williams. However, the Lakers pulled out of the deal after Williams failed a physical. LA had Knecht back, but as expected, the conversations were seemingly awkward.

Knecht also refused to play in Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz as he wanted time to 'process' this unusual instance. However, the rookie was in action in his second game back since the trade was voided. Knecht played seven minutes in the first half of Wednesday's rematch against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.

The first-round pick had three points. He made one 3 on three attempts. Knecht didn't add to his box score in other categories. He had a box +/- of -1. The Lakers trailed 64-53 heading into halftime.

Dalton Knecht played a key role in a sluggish third quarter as the Lakers kept losing control of the game. He scored seven points in that span, with two 3-pointers and one free throw. Knecht didn't make much impact in the final frame.

He finished with 10 points, one rebound and one assist in 16:41 minutes, including 3 of 7 from 3 and 1 of 2 from the free throw line. Knecht was a +/- - 3.

---

Lakers heave a sigh of relief as Dalton Knecht remains focused despite trade melee

The LA Lakers would be glad to have Dalton Knecht back in the rotation and great spirits amid a never-ending trade melee with the Charlotte Hornets, who are still fighting over the cancelation of the deal. Taking a player back after a failed trade isn't easy, especially from a player's perspective.

However, Knecht accepted the circumstances like a professional. He admitted after the game that it was "hard" to see how things played out as he enjoyed life in LA but was open to "hooping" anywhere he went. Knecht maintained he was excited to return and play with the Lakers again.

He displayed that in his first game back, playing a decent role despite the 131-119 loss for the Lakers.