Tennessee basketball standout Dalton Knecht will continue his career with the Los Angeles Lakers following the NBA trade deadline on Wednesday afternoon. Despite requesting a trade earlier this year, Knecht was not moved to another team before the deadline expired at 3 p.m. ET.
Knecht’s Role and Recent Performance with the Lakers
In his second season with the Lakers, Knecht’s playing time has noticeably decreased. He is averaging 4.6 points in just under 12 minutes per game, without a clear role in the team’s rotation, while shooting 31.3% on three-pointers. The 6-foot-6 guard has not logged more than eight minutes in any game since January 13, when the Lakers played the Atlanta Hawks.
This represents a decline from his rookie season, during which he averaged 9.1 points and nearly 20 minutes per game, converting 37.6% of his three-point attempts. The Lakers selected Knecht 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after a standout season at Tennessee.
Previously Failed Trade to Charlotte Hornets
The Lakers had reportedly agreed to trade Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025, but the deal was ultimately canceled. The team cited
“failure to satisfy a condition of the trade,”
as the reason for the reversal.
Knecht’s Highlights from Rookie Season
During his rookie year, Knecht demonstrated notable scoring ability with seven games scoring 20 or more points. His best performance came in a 37-point game against the Utah Jazz on November 19, 2024. In that game, he made nine three-pointers, tying an NBA rookie record, and scored 22 consecutive points. His impressive play earned him a slot in the Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend.
Collegiate Success and Background
Knecht was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year and received consensus first-team All-American honors during his only season at Tennessee under coach Rick Barnes. He is the highest-drafted player ever under Barnes’ tenure. Before joining Tennessee, Knecht transferred from Northern Colorado and immediately made an impact, averaging 21.7 points and shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc in his lone Vols season.
The guard from Thornton, Colorado, scored 780 points that season—the second-highest single-season total in Tennessee’s history. His scoring prowess was evident through 13 games of 25 points or more, including six games with 35+ points and a 40-point outing. Knecht began his collegiate career at Northeastern Junior College in Colorado, spending two seasons there before transferring to Northern Colorado.
Looking Ahead for Knecht and the Lakers
Dalton Knecht’s uncertain Lakers status highlights the challenging transition from college star to consistent NBA contributor. His diminished role and the failed trade attempt suggest that both the player and the organization continue to evaluate the best path forward. With the trade window closed, Knecht will stay with the Lakers as he aims to regain form and secure a more stable role in the rotation moving forward.
In other news, I'm told Dalton Knecht approached the Lakers front office recently and has asked to be traded. It's expected they'll grant his wish. More here, for @joinoffside: pic.twitter.com/kkl2RN5pnn
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) January 28, 2026
