"Making sure he don’t get traded again" - Lakers fans ride on Dalton Knecht hype train after electrifying All-Star debut in LeBron James' absence

Dalton Knecht continues to leave a strong impression on the LA Lakers' fanbase after an electrifying NBA All-Star debut against Shaq's OGs. He was the only player representing the franchise on the weekend after LeBron James, who was supposed to play against Knecht, pulled out last minute, citing ankle and foot injuries.

Knecht was the best player on the floor for Candace's Rising Stars, dropping a team-high eight points and two rebounds on 3 of 6 shots, including 2 of 4 from 3. Knecht matched Jaylen Brown and Steph Curry's point totals and trailed Damian Lillard by one. Before Lillard took over and knocked three 3s, Knecht was arguably the best player on the floor. Here's one of his major highlights:

Knecht's massive display had the Lakers fans hyped. One X user cited that Knecht played well because he didn't want to get traded again after nearly being shipped to Charlotte for Mark Williams. The deal eventually got rescinded after Williams failed his physical.

"making sure he don’t get traded again," one X user wrote about Knecht.

Another added:

"Rob really traded an injury prone center for an All Star, a pick, and a swap"

"So glad he’s back," one fan said.

One fan mocked the Hornets with this tweet:

One fan said:

"Dalton Knecht is the best player on the court with all these All-Star"

Dalton Knecht moves on from trade saga, embraces Lakers return

Dalton Knecht had a whirlwind week after the trade deadline after being shipped to the Hornets and then surprisingly returning to the Lakers. It's a lot to take in for a rookie, but Knecht handled the situation like a professional. Knecht has embraced being a Laker and wanted to continue his career here long-term. He has gotten his chance, albeit potentially until the season's end.

Regardless, Knecht has moved on from this rescinded trade saga and is now looking forward to this Lakers tenure again.

"It’s strange. I’m one of the few people that’s ever been traded and then come back… I had AD, Bron and now I’m with Luka and Bron. So, it’s crazy. I get to learn from a lot of greats," Knecht said about the voided trade on Friday.

Knecht displayed during the All-Star weekend that he can be a reliable contributor when the lights are bright. He finished his debut at the annual carnival with 20 points across three games (two in the Rising Stars championship and one against Shaq's OGs). Knecht arguably was the most impressive and consistent Rising Star.