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Lakers Emerge as Suitor for Perfect Trade Target

The Lakers haven't had much luck in free agency, but there's a new trade target that could help them immediately.

By Jovan Alford

Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on prior to game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena.
Apr 28, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on prior to game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Lakers have had a massively disappointing offseason this summer, which is something fans or the front office likely didn’t see coming. The Lakers struggled to bring in any big-time free agents as their best move was re-signing superstar forward LeBron James to a two-year deal.

In addition to James, the team hired JJ Redick as their next head coach and took Dalton Knecht and Bronny James Jr. in the 2024 NBA Draft. Simply put, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka dropped the ball.

With most of the marquee free agents off the board, the Lakers might have to make a trade if they truly want to contend in the Western Conference next season. 

Thus far, the only name LA has been connected to in the trade market has been Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. However, there hasn’t been anything new to report about Grant and the Lakers’ interest. 

But there’s another player, who can play the 3 or 4, that could be of significant use to the Lakers and help them on both sides of the ball.

Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Among Multiple Teams Interested in Cameron Johnson

The New York Post’s Brian Lewis reported Monday that the Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Sacramento Kings are interested in Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson. 

Lewis also highlighted a couple of other teams, but to see the Lakers expressing interest in the former first-round pick is a good sign. Johnson and his teammate Dorian Finney-Smith have seen their names mentioned in trade rumors since the Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks.

The Nets will likely be the worst team in basketball next season and could look to trade players such as Johnson and Finney-Smith for draft capital. Johnson could be the perfect addition to the Lakers despite a down 2023-24 season.

Last season, Johnson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 27.6 minutes per game. In the 2022-23 season, the former first-round pick scored 15.5 points per game between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets.

Johnson’s DRtg (defensive rating) during that season was 114, which went up this past season to 117. The 28-year-old shot 44.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc in 2023-24.

Since Johnson is scheduled to make $23 million next season, the Lakers might have to trade a player or two to Brooklyn and attach a first-round pick. However, his skill set and age might be worth considering if you are the Lakers.

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