You ever see a guy wearing a jersey that shouldn’t exist? If you’re walking around Charlotte or poking through some weird corner of a sports memorabilia shop and spot a Dalton Knecht Hornets jersey, you’re looking at a ghost. It’s a relic of a trade that happened, then didn’t, and basically broke the mental rhythm of one of the most promising shooters to come out of the 2024 draft.
Basketball is a business, sure. But for a rookie, getting told you’re traded to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams—only to have the Lakers pull the plug three days later because of a failed physical—is a total mind trip.
Honestly, it felt like a movie, or maybe a glitch in the matrix. One minute, Knecht is packing for North Carolina, and the next, he’s back in Los Angeles trying to act like nothing happened. Except everything had changed.
The Trade That Wasn't: What Actually Happened
Back in February 2025, the NBA world collectively gasped. Shams Charania dropped the bomb: the Lakers were sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a 2031 unprotected first-rounder to Charlotte. In return, they were getting that 7'2 powerhouse center, Mark Williams.
Lakers fans were torn. They loved Knecht’s shooting—remember that 37-point explosion against Utah?—but they were desperate for a rim protector to help Anthony Davis.
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The jerseys were probably being printed. The logistics were set. Then, the physicals happened. Williams’ lingering injuries (the ones that kept him off the court for way too long) scared the Lakers' medical staff. They rescinded the trade. Knecht, who had already mentally moved on to being a Hornet, was suddenly a Laker again.
But you can't just un-ring that bell. Since that "rescinded trade" saga, Knecht hasn't been the same. His confidence took a massive hit. It’s like he’s playing in the shadow of a jersey he never actually got to wear in a real game.
The "Knecht 4" Jersey and the Lakers' Current Struggle
When the Lakers drafted him 17th overall, Dalton chose the No. 4 jersey. The logic was brilliant: "Knecht 4." A play on the old Connect Four game. It was supposed to be a marketing goldmine.
Instead, it's become a symbol of what's missing. Here we are in January 2026, and the Lakers are desperately trying to figure out what to do with him. Coach JJ Redick—who once said Knecht reminded him of himself—has been forced to bench him or send him down to the G League (South Bay Lakers) just to get his rhythm back.
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It's kinda wild when you look at the stats:
- Last season (Rookie): 9.1 PPG, 36.4% from three.
- This season (2025-26): 5.2 PPG, struggling at 31.8% from deep.
The guy is averaging about 13 minutes a night now. When he’s on the floor, the Lakers have a negative-5.6 net rating. That’s painful for a team that just traded for Luka Dončić and is trying to make a serious title run before LeBron James finally calls it quits.
Why the Hornets Connection Still Matters
Why are people still searching for a Dalton Knecht Hornets jersey? Partly because of the "what if" factor. In Charlotte, Knecht would have been a primary option next to LaMelo Ball. He wouldn't have been looking over his shoulder every time he missed a shot.
In LA, the pressure is different. You miss two threes in a row, and suddenly the trade rumors start up again. And they are starting.
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Recently, there’s been talk about a three-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers want Keon Ellis, a 3-and-D guy who fits better next to Luka. To get him, they might finally move on from Dalton.
The Realities of the Current Rotation
- The Luka Effect: Since Luka Dončić arrived, the Lakers' offense is elite, but the defense is a sieve (ranked 25th). They don't need "another shooter" who can't guard a parked car. They need wing defenders.
- The "Bust" Label: It’s a harsh word, but local Laker blogs are starting to use it. When you see guys drafted after him—like Tristan da Silva or Kyshawn George—playing heavy rotation minutes for their teams, the "Knecht 4" dream starts to feel like a nightmare.
- G League Glimmers: Just a few weeks ago, Dalton went down to the G League and dropped 30 points on the San Diego Clippers. He can still play. The talent is there. The confidence? That's a different story.
What's Next for the No. 4 Jersey?
If you're a fan holding out for a Dalton Knecht Hornets jersey, you might actually get your wish—just not the way you expected. The trade deadline is approaching in February 2026. The Lakers are shopping for upgrades.
Dalton is one of their few "movable" assets, though his value is at an all-time low. Most league scouts think he needs a "reset" on a team that isn't under the 24/7 Hollywood microscope.
Honestly, the best thing for both parties might be a fresh start. Whether it’s Charlotte, Sacramento, or New Orleans, the kid needs to be somewhere where he can miss four shots in a row and not get benched for three weeks.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to buy a jersey or just following the drama, keep these things in mind:
- Don't buy a custom Hornets jersey yet. The rumors are swirling, but wait until the trade deadline passes in February. You don't want to be the guy with a jersey for a team he only played for in a rescinded trade.
- Watch the South Bay Lakers games. If you want to see the real Dalton Knecht—the one who dominated at Tennessee—that's where he is right now. His NBA confidence is shot, but his G League highlights show the stroke is still pure.
- Monitor the injury report. With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura dealing with calf and back issues, Redick has promised Knecht a "consistent look" over the next week. This is likely his final audition before the front office pulls the trigger on a trade.
The "Knecht 4" era in Los Angeles might be coming to a quiet end, but the story of that weird week in 2025 when he was almost a Hornet will live on in NBA trade lore forever. It’s a reminder that in the NBA, you aren’t safe until you’ve actually suited up and stepped on the court.