J.J. Redick Shocks NBA World with Bombshell Announcement: Lakers Set to Trade Rising Star Dalton Knecht in Blockbuster Deal to Nets—$97 Million Future Star Center Could Be Headed to L.A. to Join Luka Dončić as Lakers Build Next Great Duo

J.J. Redick Shocks NBA World with Bombshell Announcement: Lakers Set to Trade Rising Star Dalton Knecht in Blockbuster Deal to Nets—$97 Million Future Star Center Could Be Headed to L.A. to Join Luka Dončić as Lakers Build Next Great Duo

In a move that’s sending shockwaves across the league, Lakers head coach J.J. Redick has reportedly confirmed that the team is finalizing a trade that would send exciting rookie Dalton Knecht to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Los Angeles is targeting a $97 million-valued rising star center—likely Nic Claxton—as the franchise continues to reshape its identity around Luka Dončić.

The Dalton Knecht Era Ending Early?

Dalton Knecht’s arrival in Los Angeles was met with excitement, especially after his standout performances in Summer League and preseason workouts. Fans saw him as a spark plug—an elite shooter with maturity beyond his years. But as Redick made clear in his bold press conference, the Lakers aren’t waiting to win later—they’re pushing all in for right now.

“Dalton has all the tools to be special, but when you’ve got Luka in his prime, you don’t waste time,” Redick stated. “We’re building around him. Period.”

Claxton Could Be the Perfect Fit

With Anthony Davis now anchoring the Dallas Mavericks frontcourt, the Lakers have been on the hunt for a defensive-minded big man to fill the void—and Claxton fits that bill perfectly.

The 6’11” center is coming off a breakout season with the Nets, averaging nearly a double-double with elite shot-blocking and switch defense. At just 25 years old and freshly signed to a $97 million extension, Claxton would give L.A. exactly what it needs: a versatile, young rim protector who doesn’t need the ball to impact winning.

Luka’s Team, Luka’s Window

Luka Dončić has quickly embraced life in Los Angeles, emerging as the face of the Lakers’ future. This potential trade is the clearest signal yet that the Lakers are fully committing to Luka’s timeline—surrounding him with athletes, defenders, and bigs who complement his generational playmaking.

With LeBron James now retired and Anthony Davis in Dallas, it’s Luka’s team through and through. And with the addition of Claxton, the Lakers could be forming the kind of elite inside-out pairing that hasn’t been seen in L.A. since the days of Kobe and Pau.

What This Means for Brooklyn and Dallas

For the Nets, acquiring Knecht offers them a high-upside scorer who could thrive in a more featured role—especially with Brooklyn shifting toward a younger core.

As for the Mavericks, Anthony Davis has flourished since his move to Dallas, teaming up with Kyrie Irving to form a dominant 1-2 punch in the West. The potential arms race between Dončić’s Lakers and AD’s Mavericks is now one of the NBA’s juiciest new rivalries.

Final Word

This trade, if finalized, could mark the beginning of a new Lakers dynasty built around Luka Dončić. With J.J. Redick steering the ship and the front office aggressively reshaping the roster, the Lakers are sending a clear message to the league: The Luka Era in Los Angeles is just getting started—and they plan to win big.