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.

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Knecht spoke with Lakers head coach JJ Redick before the game to discuss his mindset following the failed trade. Per Buha, the rookie guard told Redick he needed more time to process the situation before returning to action.