Dalton Knecht is facing a tough period with the Los Angeles Lakers, as he has been receiving limited playing time and could potentially be waived or traded by the team to be able to fit 15 standard contracts on the roster.
Knecht himself, however, claims there haven't been any talks about him potentially leaving the Lakers.
"They haven't talked to me nothing about that," Knecht told Dan Woike of The Athletic on Friday when asked about the Lakers' upcoming roster decisions.
Despite the departure rumors, the 25-year-old believes he's gotten better and has complete confidence in himself as the best player on the court.
"I think I got better all-around. I think the game's kinda slowed down a little bit, easier for me to see different reads, going out there and making adjustments on the fly, what JJ tells us," Knecht said.
"I don't think anything has changed as a player. I still go out there, I still think I am the best player and best shooter when I step out on the court. So nothing has really changed about that type of stuff."
Knecht remembered the failed trade
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht
At the 2025 February trade deadline, the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets had agreed to a trade that would've sent Knecht to Charlotte in exchange for Mark Williams, but after Williams failed the Lakers' physical the move was rescinded and Dalton remained in Los Angeles.
Since then, people have pointed out this fact whenever talking about Knecht and his performance for the Lakers, to which the young player responded bluntly.
"Yeah, you see [things], people send me stuff. All that sh*t is bullsh*t. A lot of it. I really understand it is a business. It happens," he said Friday night.
"Got sent back. Cool. Still got a shot here and still keep playing. They drafted me for a reason, so I just go out there and keep hooping and stay confident. I don't think anything has changed from that.
"No matter who I am out there with. I think nothing has changed. It is just part of the business and no hard feelings. They understand. I came back here and they showed open arms, so it's cool."