There will be no love lost between Dalton Knecht and LeBron James during the All-Star game despite being Lakers teammates, according to the rookie.
Knecht will be thankful for a break from the regular season grind following his crazy week.
The Lakers rookie was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal that was supposed to bring Mark Williams to the Lakers, however, the deal was called off after Williams failed a fitness test.
Knecht was forced to return to the Lakers and is now uncertain about where his future lies in the NBA. But for now, the star will give his all for the Lakers and is looking forward to facing teammate LeBron during the All-Star weekend.
Most players would love to be able to play alongside the genius that is LeBron, but as Knecht does this daily he’s looking forward to testing his abilities to one of the GOAT’s of the NBA.
Despite now turning 40 there are no signs of slowing down for The King who is still putting in game-winning performances regularly for the high-flying Lakers.
Upon Knecht’s return to the Lakers, he told coach JJ Redick that he ‘just wants to hoop’ and he will certainly get that opportunity as part of Team Candace in the All-Star tournament.
After finding out his side would be facing Shaq’s OG’s which includes LeBron, Knecht could not hide his excitement as he told the media: “It might be a lot of fun. For us young guys we’re just going to go out there and play against those guys.
“I get to play against (LeBron) right? So I get to play against one of my teammates and try to make a statement.”
Following his uncertain week, Knecht will just be looking to let his talking happen on the court.
The relaxed nature of the All-Star weekend has come at the perfect time for the rookie who explained his phone conversations with Rob Pelinka over the failed trade.
Channing Frye has warned the Lakers to have an honest conversation with Knecht over his role in the side to make him ‘feel wanted’ once more.
There’s a very real chance that Knecht may be moved on in the summer by the Lakers but for now, he will be looking to put on his best performance against LeBron to prove his worth.
