"I can definitely tell and say that I'm expecting a lot of boos, I'm expecting a lot of hate, and it's okay I understand it," Smart told Allie Clifton of Spectrum SportsNet on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Lakers came into the 2025 offseason with a glaring roster need in the form of a capable starting center.

In three Summer League games, Knecht averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists shooting just 27.9% from the field and 23.8% from 3-point range.