Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick hinted at a major shakeup in the Lakers lineup on Wednesday. In a bombshell trade on Feb. 1, the Lakers sent 10x NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, 31, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for superstar guard Luka Doncic, 25.
The shakeup continued on Wednesday when the Lakers traded 6-ft-6 rookie Dalton Knecht, 23, to the Charlotte Hornets for 7-ft center Mark Williams, 23.
JJ Redick said he is open to making larger changes to the Lakers’ starting lineup after they traded away their two best starting defenders in Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Luka Doncic, of course, will start, but he said he and his staff will evaluate the entire group.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 5, 2025
Dalton Knecht was the Lakers’ 17th overall pick in the 1st round of the NBA draft. LeBron James’ son Bronny James was the No. 55 pick in the 2nd round of the draft.
Knecht was a fan favorite who saw lots of playing time off the bench for Los Angeles. Knecht routinely scored in double figures for the Lakers.
But the door is open for Bronny to come off the bench and get more playing time now that Knecht is gone.
Bronny may even be inserted into the starting lineup alongside his father. Crazier things have happened in the NBA.
Bronny, 20, made headlines this week when he scored his first NBA 3-pointer in a blowout game against the NY Knicks in New York on Feb. 1.
BRONNY HITS FIRST NBA THREE ?? pic.twitter.com/JH2nIaq6UQ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 5, 2025
Bronny was the main topic of conversation among sports shows on Monday. Those who previously doubted Bronny’s skills now praised the young man for contributing a three to the team’s total score.
Without Bronny’s three pointer the Lakers would have only won by 125-112 over the Knicks. Bronny also made 1 free throw in his 2 minutes of playing time.
NBA purists point out that Bronny sold over $50 million worth of jerseys. They say the money he brings in takes priority over his stats production. Therefore, starting Bronny alongside his father is a no-brainer.
LeBron wants Bronny off the bench and on the court more. And whatever LeBron wants LeBron gets.
LeBron reportedly forced the Lakers to waive promising guard Quincy Olivari because he outshined Bronny on the court.
The Lakers and the NBA league office put pressure on journalists who don’t regularly praise Bronny as the second coming of, well, LeBron James.
ESPN sports analyst Stephen A. Smith complained that LeBron James’ camp reached out to him following his comments about Bronny’s poor stats.
On his show “First Take,” Smith pointed out Bronny’s unimpressive NBA stats so far: 0.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists average per game.
Smith discussed text messages he received after he questioned LeBron’s parenting skills.
“I spoke about this, and I felt the need to elaborate even further because a couple of people texted me and pissed me off, and they know who they are. People close to LeBron James talking to me about questioning him as a father. Come on y’all. I mean, it’s got to a point where this LeBron sensitivity is just beyond the pale,” Smith said.
Smith defended his criticism of Bronny.
“I’m not being cruel to Bronny. I’m looking out,” he explained. He then addressed LeBron James and his agent Rich Paul directly: “Do you want it this way? LeBron? Do you want it this way, Rich Paul? Do you want it this way? He can’t go into the G League and average 20, 25 and stay there until he’s ready because he’s LeBron’s son, you know how they’re going to judge him.”
