In the wake of the failed trade deal between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, NBA All-Star forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul George has offered some sage advice to Lakers’ rookie, Dalton Knecht. The situation, which continues to stir discussions in the NBA, has resulted in a tense atmosphere for all parties involved.
Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round draft pick, initially struggled to adapt to the unsettling circumstances. However, he has since regained his composure, re-donned his Lakers’ jersey and returned to the court. While the circumstances may be challenging for the rookie, George had words of encouragement and perspective to share on ‘Podcast P.’
George stressed the importance of appreciating the opportunity and the position Knecht is in. “You’re a rookie. Appreciate your blessings for what it is. You are playing for the most storied franchise in the NBA,” he stated. The 76ers star also encouraged Knecht to use the situation as motivation to demonstrate his worth and prove why the potential trade was a poor decision. “Go out there and prove why you belong—why that was a bad decision,” George said.
George went on to suggest that Knecht should view the trade proposition as a compliment, stating, “You played so well you had trade bait. There’s teams out there that want you.”
The NBA trade environment often sees players exchanged for financial reasons. In this case, Knecht was originally slated to be traded along with Cam Reddish in exchange for Mark Williams and draft compensation. This was more a strategic decision to fulfill a pressing need for the Lakers, rather than a reflection of Knecht’s developmental potential.
Knecht, the 17th overall pick of the draft, has shown promising signs throughout his debut season. He has averaged nine points and three rebounds, while successfully landing 36 percent of his three-point attempts.
Since his return to the Lakers, Knecht has consistently earned his spot back in the rotation, averaging 15 minutes per game. If the Lakers had sidelined him, it would indicate a different narrative. However, as George pointed out, the current situation presents a golden opportunity for Knecht to turn the tables, seize the moment, and prove that the Lakers’ initial decision was misguided.
