Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided a short update on Dalton Knecht’s scary fall vs the Denver Nuggets.
The Los Angeles Lakers finished their road trip with a 0-4 record following their most recent loss against the Denver Nuggets.
In a game where the Lakers played without LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and multiple key role players, it allowed star rookie Dalton Knecht to shine.
Knecht finished the night with 32 points to his name, but one moment in the game had many genuinely worried about the rookie.
JJ Redick on Dalton Knecht’s injury scare
During the fourth quarter, Knecht made an important dunk, but he had an awkward landing on the floor as the rookie’s back and neck collided on the hardwood.
Knecht was slow to get off the floor as the Lakers’ staff immediately rushed to him. However, the 23-year-old shrugged off the injury and finished the game, albeit ending in a loss.
After the game, LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick gave a short update on Knecht’s scary fall and if he will miss any time due to it.
“His back and head are apparently okay, I guess he cramped on take off,” Redick told reporters.
Considering the Lakers are already battling multiple injuries to their key players, it’s a huge sigh of relief for DK fans as he will not miss an extended time following a career-night against the Nuggets.
Dalton Knecht showed what the Charlotte Hornets missed out on
Knecht has become a fan favorite in recent weeks, but back in February 2025, the rookie was actually traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
He was sent to Charlotte as part of the infamous Mark Williams trade, which was later rescinded by the Lakers, re-routing Knecht back to LA.
Knecht’s scoring outburst against the Nuggets just showed the Hornets what type of player he could have become on the Hornets.
After all, DK would have likely played major minutes as a starter in Charlotte had the trade gone through.
For now, the Lakers must be glad they have a talented rookie on the roster who can give them additional help come playoff time.
Apart from scoring a career-high 32 points, Knecht had 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 37 minutes of playing time vs the Nuggets.
