Former Tennessee Vols standout Dalton Knecht makes strong statement about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers

Former Tennessee Vols standout Dalton Knecht had an eventful rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Knecht, a first round selection by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, scored a career-high 37 points in just his 14th career game, he was nearly traded to the Charlotte Hornets before the All-Star game (in a bizarre deal that was rescinded after Knecht actually reported to the Hornets), and then he was barely used during Los Angeles' series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the playoffs. 

And he did all of that while playing alongside LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer. 

Knecht experienced more in one season than some players experience in a career. 

There have been rumblings that Knecht could be traded by the Lakers during the offseason. Los Angeles needs to add a dependable center to the roster to truly become a championship contender. Knecht is viewed as a player that could be used by the Lakers in a trade to acquire a big man. 

The former Vol, however, is hoping to remain in Los Angeles. 

Knecht told TMZ this past week that he's "all in" on the Lakers. 

"I'd like to be a Laker," said Knecht to TMZ. "[I'm] all in on the Lakers." 

"He (LeBron) said he can play another five or ten years," added Knecht. "Me and Bron could run it for another five or ten years. Why not?" 

The Lakers are likely going to make some kind of big move this offseason. Whether or not Knecht will be involved in that move remains to be seen. It's possible that Los Angeles could trade guard Austin Reaves and choose to keep Knecht, or they could include Knecht in a blockbuster deal. 

Honestly, as of now, I doubt even the Lakers know if Knecht will be on the roster next season.