Lakers’ Dalton Knecht Shares Game-Changing NBA Advice From D’Angelo Russell Amid Trade Drama

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has been on a wild rollercoaster ride over the past few weeks, dealing with trade uncertainty, a return to his team, and a major NBA All-Star Weekend appearance. Despite the chaos, one piece of advice from D’Angelo Russell has helped him stay focused and mentally strong in the face of uncertainty.

With the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić, Knecht’s role in the team remains unclear. But his ability to navigate NBA highs and lows will determine whether he secures a long-term place in Los Angeles.

Dalton Knecht’s Unbelievable NBA Journey: From Trade Confusion to All-Star Weekend

For Dalton Knecht, the past few weeks have been nothing short of unpredictable. The Los Angeles Lakers initially traded him to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams. However, in a dramatic twist, the trade was rescinded when Williams failed his physical, sending Knecht back to Los Angeles.

While some players might have struggled with the emotional toll of an uncertain future, Knecht has taken it all in stride. Instead of letting the NBA business side distract him, he focused on his game—and it showed during NBA All-Star Weekend.

The young sharpshooter played a key role in the Rising Stars Challenge, securing a victory on Friday night. Now, he’s preparing for another huge career milestone—playing in the NBA All-Star Game alongside legends like LeBron James.

But how has Knecht managed to stay so composed throughout this chaotic period? It all comes down to one piece of wisdom from a former Lakers star: D’Angelo Russell.

D’Angelo Russell’s Winning Mindset: The Key Advice Keeping Knecht Grounded

Being traded in the NBA is one of the most mentally challenging experiences for a player, especially for a young talent like Knecht. However, D’Angelo Russell, who has been traded multiple times in his career, shared a simple but powerful lesson that Knecht has embraced.

“D-Lo gave me the best advice. Right after a game, just move on. Don’t care about how you did. Just move on because you got the next game coming towards you. No matter how high or how low that game was, you got to move on, be ready to play the next one, and get better.”
— Dalton Knecht via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Instagram

This mindset is crucial for any NBA player, especially in a league where trades, roster changes, and performance expectations can shift overnight.

Russell understands this better than most. The former NBA All-Star was originally drafted by the Lakers in 2015, then traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017. After playing for the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, he returned to the Lakers in 2023—only to be traded again in 2025, back to Brooklyn.

His career has been a testament to resilience, and Knecht is now using that same mindset to navigate his own challenges.

Awkward Reality: Playing for a Team That Just Tried to Trade Him

Returning to a team that just attempted to trade you can create an awkward dynamic, but Knecht is staying professional and embracing the positives of still being in Los Angeles.

While some players might feel unwanted in this situation, Knecht actually dodged a bullet by avoiding the Charlotte Hornets, a franchise with a history of struggling to develop young talent.

Here’s why staying with the Lakers is a major win for Knecht:

• Avoiding the Hornets’ Development Struggles – The Hornets have had a rocky track record in player development, making the Lakers’ system a better fit for Knecht’s growth.
• Learning From LeBron James & Luka Dončić – Few young players get the chance to learn from two of the greatest basketball minds in the world. Knecht can sharpen his game under their mentorship.
• The Lakers Are Still Contenders – Unlike the Hornets, who are in rebuild mode, the Lakers are playoff contenders, giving Knecht an opportunity to contribute in high-stakes games.

However, there’s still one big question surrounding his future: The Lakers’ roster is now more stacked on the perimeter, thanks to Dončić joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This could mean fewer minutes for Knecht as the Lakers prioritize their star players.

But there’s still hope. If Knecht continues to perform well, he could solidify a key role in the rotation. His three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ could make him a valuable bench contributor as the Lakers gear up for a playoff run.

NBA All-Star Game: A Chance for Knecht to Shine on the Big Stage

With all the trade drama behind him, Knecht now gets to focus on one of the biggest moments of his young career—playing in the NBA All-Star Game.

Set to take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday night at 8:00 PM ET, the All-Star Game presents an opportunity for Knecht to showcase his talent on a global stage.

Not only will he get to compete alongside NBA legends, but he will also have a chance to prove that he belongs among the league’s rising stars. A strong performance could further solidify his place within the Lakers’ rotation, despite recent roster changes.

What’s Next for Dalton Knecht?

With the NBA trade deadline behind him, Dalton Knecht’s focus now shifts to his future with the Lakers. While his role remains uncertain, his attitude and mindset—influenced by D’Angelo Russell’s advice—will be key factors in determining his success.

What Knecht Needs to Do Moving Forward:

• Stay Ready – With the Lakers’ rotation in flux, Knecht must always be prepared to step up when needed.
• Prove His Value on Defense – With Dončić and LeBron leading the offense, Knecht can stand out by becoming a defensive specialist.
• Continue Improving His Three-Point Shot – Shooting is more valuable than ever in today’s NBA, and if Knecht can become a consistent deep threat, he’ll be hard to bench.
• Embrace Every Opportunity – Whether in garbage time or crunch-time minutes, Knecht must maximize every chance to show his worth.

One thing is clear—Dalton Knecht’s NBA journey is far from over.As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on Dalton Knecht to see how he adapts, competes, and grows within a stacked Lakers roster.