[1] Knecht was born in Fargo, North Dakota and grew up in Thornton, Colorado, attending Prairie View High School.

[19] On March 9, 2024, Knecht set a new career high on senior night with 40 points in an 85–81 loss to 15th-ranked Kentucky.

[20] Knecht was named SEC Player of the Year by both the league's coaches[21] and the Associated Press (AP).

[22][a] Knecht was selected with the 17th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft[23] and he signed with them on July 3, 2024.

[26] Three days later, he broke this record, scoring a then career-high 27 points along with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a 104–99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

[27] On November 19, Knecht scored a career-high 37 points, including nine three-pointers, in a 124–118 victory against the Utah Jazz.