Former NBA All-Star has wild theory involving LeBron James about why the Lakers traded Dalton Knecht to the Hornets
Dalton Knecht appeared close to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers after the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to town and sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka even reportedly managed to keep Knecht out of the Luka trade package, seemingly a potential good sign for his ability to run with Luka […]
Dalton Knecht appeared close to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers after the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to town and sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka even reportedly managed to keep Knecht out of the Luka trade package, seemingly a potential good sign for his ability to run with Luka and LeBron James moving forward.
Well, as it turns out, Pelinka had other plans for the former Tennessee Vol standout. He dealt Knecht early Thursday morning to the Hornets as part of a trade for big man Mark Williams.
That has begged the question: why?
Well, according to three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas on his show, it's because the rookie didn't pass the ball enough to LeBron's son, Bronny, more often.
"Hey, JJ (Redick), this is direct to you," Arenas said. "I've been watching and I ain't trying to start no ruckus over there, but when Bronny is in, you make sure one m*therf*cker is not with him, okay? This looks like last year's Spurs-Wemby sh*t. There's one m*therf*cker out there that's not passing the ball. He decides he wants to shoot all the time. He play[s] regular minutes. Whenever he's out there, do not put him in the game with him. Sub his ass out."
Arenas' show mates then went on to joke about their belief – or, at the very least, a premise they're leaning on for comedic purposes – that Knecht refused to pass the ball to Bronny because he's not his dad.
Arenas admitted he was pushing a narrative there: "I swear to God, I like him, but I'm trying to start a narrative around this b*tch."
He added in the second video clip: "[W]e tried to warn you dog. You out there trying to get your numbers when the star is out there."
The logical and most likely reason for the move is roster composition, as Knecht's skill overlapped those of other players on the roster. The Lakers desperately needed a big man, and the price was right to pick up Williams – although it's someone who goes to Los Angeles with some recent question marks.
Knecht's strength also lies in his play on the offensive side of the floor. He's someone who, when he gets hot, can get on a streak that can carry a team to a win. But, with shooters, they've got to keep shooting.
As for the theory about LeBron wanting Knecht out because he didn't pass enough to his son, that's extremely farfetched. After all, LeBron had strong words of praise earlier this year for Knecht. He also was apparently unaware of the trade when he was told after it was announced.
As such, it's very unlikely the Lakers' superstar had anything to do with the deal, regardless of whatever comedic jabs Arenas and his cronies want to take at the former Vol.
Lakers’ overnight trade sends Dalton Knecht to a place where many Tennessee Vol fans wanted him to go before
It’s a match made in heaven for UT fans
