Is Dalton Knecht back with the Lakers? Latest on rookie's future after Mark Williams' trade gets rescinded

Dalton Knecht will return to the LA Lakers after the trade centered on Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was rescinded. A few days ago, the Lakers packaged Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick to the Hornets for Williams. Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the “Hornets’ failure to satisfy a condition of the trade” was the reason for the cancellation.

Knecht arrived in Charlotte ahead of the Hornets’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. The rookie will return to Hollywood following the latest development. The Lakers will likely look at the buyout market to fill the hole left by Anthony Davis, who was traded to Dallas for Luka Doncic.

Roughly 30 minutes after Shams Charania tweeted about the cancelled Mark Williams for Dalton Knecht trade, the NBA insider added:

"Mark Williams' physical with the Lakers showed multiple issues and the team failed him on the exam, sources tell ESPN. The physical was not failed due to his back, however."

Mark Williams played 62 games in two seasons because of persistent health issues. He saw action just 19 times last season due to a back contusion that led to a season-ending injury. The failed medical exam was enough for the LA Lakers to pull out of the deal.

With Anthony Davis' supposed replacement off the table, Dalton Knecht's tenure with the LA Lakers continues. Knecht has played 48 games this season, 12 as a starter, and has averaged 9.4 points per contest behind 46.5% efficiency, including 35.8% from deep.

---

Dalton Knecht has struggled since an impressive November stretch

Dalton Knecht averaged 13.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 1.2 APG in 26.4 MPG in November. He shot 50.7%, including a sizzling 46.0% clip from behind the arc. The former Tennessee star pushed his way to Rookie of the Year conversations with an impressive stretch.

Since then, he has struggled on both ends. Knecht averaged 21.1 MPG in December and put up 6.8 PPG and 3.8 RPG. The usually sharp-shooting forward averaged 40.7%, including a ghastly 15.6% from 3-point distance.

The trend continued in January with 8.3 PPG in 17.0 MPG. Knecht's shooting improved with limited usage. He shot 44.2%, including 36.8% from long range.

Before the failed trade, he contributed 8.0 PPG in 15.0 MPG. Only time will tell if he will trend upwards with another elite playmaker running the offense.