The Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off a jaw-dropping move in the NBA offseason, orchestrating a three-team trade that reunites Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic with his former teammate and close friend, Josh Green. The blockbuster deal, involving the Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets, bolsters the Lakers’ roster with a versatile two-way wing, addressing their need for perimeter shooting and point-of-attack defense.
The Trade Breakdown
In a stunning trade reported by Fadeaway World, the Lakers acquire Charlotte Hornets wing Josh Green, while the Hornets receive Nets center Nic Claxton. The Nets, in return, land Lakers guards Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent, along with Hornets forward Grant Williams and a 2027 first-round pick from Charlotte. The deal shakes up all three teams and sets the stage for an exciting 2025-26 NBA season.
Lakers receive: Josh Green
Hornets receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Grant Williams, 2027 first-round pick (CHA)
Why the Lakers Made the Move
The Lakers’ acquisition of Josh Green fills a critical gap in their roster. With new signings Marcus Smart, DeAndre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia already bolstering the team, Los Angeles was still in search of a reliable backup wing to complement Rui Hachimura. Green, a 6’5” two-way player, brings gritty perimeter defense and efficient three-point shooting, making him an ideal fit for JJ Redick’s system.
Last season, Green averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 39.1% from beyond the arc in 27.8 minutes per game for the Hornets. His ability to guard multiple positions, chase opponents full court, and knock down timely threes makes him a valuable addition to a Lakers team aiming to contend in the Western Conference.
“Green is the kind of energy guy who can shadow opposing wings and guards, chase them full court, and make life difficult late in games,” wrote Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar. “His fit with L.A. goes beyond numbers.”
Meanwhile, Knecht and Vincent, who were on the fringes of Redick’s rotation late in the 2024-25 season, faced uncertain roles with the arrival of Smart as the backup point guard. Trading them allows the Lakers to clear minutes for Green while maintaining depth with players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia in the frontcourt.
The Doncic-Green Connection
The trade’s emotional centerpiece is the reunion of Josh Green with Luka Doncic, his former Mavericks teammate. During their time together in Dallas, the duo developed a strong on- and off-court chemistry. Green thrived alongside Doncic, averaging 1.7 made threes per game (per 36 minutes) at a 39% clip in his final two seasons with the Mavericks. His defensive tenacity also earned him starter’s minutes under coach Jason Kidd.
Off the court, Green and Doncic formed a close friendship. Green has been vocal about his admiration for Doncic’s leadership and work ethic, defending him against criticism from Mavericks GM Nico Harrison about his conditioning. “At the end of the day, he’s played World Cups, Olympics, back-to-back-to-back years,” Green said. “You have to be in pretty good shape to be able to play that.”
Green also praised Doncic’s ability to lead Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals at just 24 years old. “The last two years, he took a big leap being a leader. The guys really followed that,” Green noted. In 2023, the Australian wing credited Doncic for helping him adjust to life in Dallas, saying, “It’s been awesome to be around that, and he’s done a great job this year being able to step up in that leader role.”
Doncic’s presence is expected to ease Green’s transition to Los Angeles, allowing him to slot seamlessly into the Lakers’ rotation. Their chemistry could prove to be a game-changer as the Lakers aim to maximize Doncic’s playmaking and Green’s defensive versatility.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
With Green now in the fold, the Lakers have added a dynamic two-way player who complements their star-studded roster. His ability to stretch the floor and lock down opposing wings addresses key weaknesses from last season. As the Lakers prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, this trade signals their intent to compete at the highest level, leveraging Doncic’s superstar talent and Green’s all-around contributions.
The move also raises questions about the Lakers’ next steps. With a bolstered frontcourt and improved perimeter defense, they may still look to add depth or make minor tweaks before the season begins. For now, though, the reunion of Doncic and Green has sent shockwaves through the NBA, setting the stage for an exciting season in Los Angeles.