Lakers Trade Pitch Reunites Luka Doncic With Beloved Teammate

The Los Angeles Lakers, active in the offseason with signings including Marcus Smart, DeAndre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia, are reportedly seeking further roster improvements, specifically targeting perimeter shooting and point-of-attack defense.

A proposed three-team trade involving the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets has been suggested to address the Lakers' needs. The trade framework would see the Lakers acquire wing Josh Green from the Hornets. In return, the Hornets would receive center Nic Claxton from the Nets. The Nets would obtain Lakers guards Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent, forward Grant Williams, and a 2027 first-round pick from the Hornets.

Knecht and Vincent are seen as expendable by the Lakers, having fallen out of the rotation late in the 2024-25 season and facing potentially limited minutes in 2025-26 following Smart's arrival as the new backup point guard.

Josh Green is identified as a strong fit for the Lakers' need for a backup wing, a position where they lack depth behind Rui Hachimura. He is described as a 6'5" two-way player known for gritty perimeter defense and timely shooting. Last season with Charlotte, Green averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 39.1% from three-point range in 27.8 minutes per game. His value is seen as extending beyond statistics, providing energy and tough defense against opposing guards and wings.

Green has a history of success playing alongside Luka Dončić during their time with the Dallas Mavericks. In his final two seasons in Dallas, Green averaged 1.7 made threes per 36 minutes at a 39% clip and earned significant playing time under coach Jason Kidd due to his defensive skills. The two players developed a close friendship, with Green publicly defending Dončić against criticism about his conditioning, praising his ability to play in major international tournaments. Green also lauded Dončić's leadership, particularly in guiding the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals at a young age, and expressed gratitude for Dončić helping him adjust to life in Dallas.