A few months ago Charles Barkley blasted off on NBA GMs for allowing Lakers to sign Dalton Knecht. As per Chuck, the Lakers had lucked into a future star. And as the rookie continued to improve himself, it seemed like Barkley had a point. But now, with the Lakers shipping Knecht out, they might be setting themselves up for Sir Charles’ unfiltered criticism.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers sent Knecht and Cam Reddish to the Charlotte Hornets. The deal brings back center Mark Williams to L.A. while also sending Charlotte an unprotected first-round draft pick and a 2030 pick swap. It’s a significant trade, but one that might not sit well with Barkley—especially given his high praise for Knecht.

Back in October, Charles Barkley had already called out NBA front offices for their missteps, singling out the Knecht pick as proof of how clueless GMs could be. “First of all, these NBA General Managers don’t have any idea what they’re doing,” he said on Inside the NBA. “Letting the Lakers get Dalton Knecht was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen. That’s a bad boy right there. Dalton Knecht, remember that name y’all.” If he thought the Lakers got away with a steal then, what will he say now that they’ve let him go?

And to make matters worse, Knecht wasn’t just a promising rookie—he was proving himself on the court. Selected 17th overall out of Tennessee, he was putting up solid numbers: 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while averaging nearly 21 minutes off the bench.

For a team that has struggled with depth, trading away a young, improving talent might come back to haunt them. But why Lakers take this gamble when Sir Charles has faith in the young forward?

Lakers ignore Charles Barkley for quick fix

Just days after the LA Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade sending Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Luka Doncic, they made this big move. With Davis gone, Williams is expected to step in as the Lakers’ new frontcourt anchor, filling a massive gap in their lineup. But is he the right guy for the job?

For context, Davis was putting up elite numbers this season—25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on 52.8% shooting. Losing that kind of production isn’t easy to replace.

Williams, however, has been one of the league’s most improved players this year. At just 23, he’s shown flashes of dominance, making him an intriguing piece for the Lakers as they rework their roster.

And the numbers back it up. Williams is in the middle of a breakout season, averaging a career-best 16 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Drafted No. 15 overall in 2022, he’s had multiple 20-point, 14-rebound performances recently—even as the Hornets struggled through a six-game losing streak.

His upside is clear, but the question remains: is he enough to justify losing a promising rookie like Knecht?

Right now, the Lakers are sitting at 29-19 and riding a hot streak, winning nine of their last 11 games. Under first-year head coach JJ Redick, they’re making a strong playoff push. But whether this move helps them win now—or just costs them a potential star in Knecht—is still up for debate.