The Los Angeles Lakers have had a busy offseason, as they’ve signed free agents Marcus Smart, DeAndre Ayton and Jake LaRavia , but are reportedly not done. Insiders expect the franchise to make at least one more move with the primary focus on improving their perimeter shooting and point-of-attack defense.
One player who fits that description is Charlotte Hornets wing Josh Green, a player who can guard multiple positions and knock down threes at a high clip.
Fadeaway World proposed a three-team trade that would see Green re-unite with former Mavericks teammate Luka Doncic, while sending Lakers guards Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent to the Brooklyn Nets.
Lakers would receive: Josh Green
Hornets would receive: Nic Claxton
Nets would receive: Knecht, Grant Williams, Vincent, 2027 first-round pick (CHA)
How the Trade Helps Lakers
Knecht and Vincent found themselves nearly out of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation during the latter stages of the 2024-25 season, leading into the playoffs. Furthermore, they could once again struggle to find minutes in the 2025-26 season, especially after the Lakers signed Smart, the team’s new backup point guard.
Green will fill the void of a backup wing, a position the Lakers are thin at. They currently have Jarred Vanderbilt and LaRavia as potential backups for Rui Hachimura, but could use more frontcourt depth.
“The Lakers are bringing in a 6’5″ two-way wing in Josh Green, a player known for his gritty perimeter defense and timely shooting,” wrote Eddie Bitar. “Last season, Green averaged a solid 7.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, and a productive 1.1 steals per game, while sinking 39.1% from deep across 27.8 minutes per outing for Charlotte.”
“He’s the kind of energy guy who can shadow opposing wings and guards, chase them full court, and make life difficult late in games. Green’s fit with L.A. goes beyond numbers.”
Doncic, Green Are Close Friends
Green found considerable success as Doncic’s teammate during their stint together on the Dallas Mavericks. In his final two seasons with the Mavs, Green averaged 1.7 made threes per game (per 36 minutes) at an impressive clip of 39%. He also impressed head coach Jason Kidd with his defensive acumen, which earned him starter’s minutes.
The two formed a very close friendship as Mavericks, and Green was among the players who criticized Nico Harrison for questioning Doncic’s conditioning levels.
“At the end of the day, he’s played World Cups, Olympics, back-to-back-to-back years,” Green said of Doncic. “You have to be in pretty good shape to be able to play that.”
Green also said Doncic showed tremendous leadership by guiding the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals in just fifth season as a pro.
“I think for someone to be 24 years old and be able to take a team to the Finals, it’s impressive,” Green said of his former teammate. “The last two years, he took a big leap being a leader. The guys really followed that.”
In 2023, the Australian also thanked Doncic for embracing him as a teammate and easing him into his transition to a new culture and city.
“It’s great, man. I’ve been able to learn a lot from him,” Green said of Doncic, via AZ Central. “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 mere presence would help Green fit in seamlessly on the Lakers.
Lakers Trade Pitch Reunites Luka Doncic With Beloved Teammate