Even in the preseason, tensions ran high between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena.
During a free throw sequence, a courtside hot mic captured an exchange between veteran Draymond Green and Lakers forward Dalton Knecht. While Knecht’s comments weren’t audible, Green’s response quickly made the rounds online.
“You got traded and got traded back,” Green quipped, prompting laughter from nearby players.
While Green’s jab was lighthearted, his comment referenced a chaotic mid-season moment for the Lakers and Knecht. Los Angeles had reached an agreement to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for a first-round pick, Knecht and forward Cam Reddish. However, the trade fell apart after Williams failed his physical, sending both Reddish and Knecht back to Los Angeles — after they had already traveled to Charlotte.
Since that brief detour and a disappointing Summer League showing, Knecht’s trade value has taken a hit. The Lakers filled their need at center by signing Deandre Ayton, while Williams was later dealt from the Hornets to the Phoenix Suns.
Despite the exchange, it was Knecht and the Lakers who got the last laugh. The sophomore forward scored 16 points and grabbed three rebounds in the win. Green, on the other hand, struggled, finishing with two points, four assists and two steals while committing four turnovers.
The rivalry between the two teams won’t have to wait long to continue — the Lakers and Warriors will face off again on opening night at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 21.