After the game, the former Vol told reporters that the entire trade saga felt like a "movie", though he took it all in stride, noting that he just wants to "go play basketball". Knecht also revealed the message the Lakers sent to him upon his return to Los Angeles.

The rookie, who was part of the deal with Charlotte that was rescinded a few days later, says he is happy to be back, “doing what I love to do, going out there and playing.”