As the Lakers progress through a painfully slow offseason, the team remains linked to players who could improve their outlook in several key areas. In addition to reports of acquiring Jonas Valanciunas at the upcoming trade deadline, the team also remains in the running for an Eastern Conference forward.
NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Still Linked to Brooklyn Sharpshooter
Lakers Remain Interested in Cam Johnson
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Lakers are among a contingent of teams interested in Nets forward Cam Johnson:
“Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Bojan Bogdanovic are the three forwards teams around the league are labeling as the next names to be on the move. Out of this grouping of players, Johnson is the one generating the most interest. In addition to the Kings inquiring about Johnson, the Rockets, Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs have been linked to the former first-round pick, sources said.”
Across 58 games (47 starts) for Brooklyn, the 28-year-old averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game. He also shot 44% from the field, 39% from three and nearly 79% from the free-throw line. Johnson signed a four-year, $94.5 million contract last summer. But with the Nets officially in rebuild mode, there’s a chance the team could move on from him as they attempt to stockpile future assets. According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, Johnson’s deal is still solid despite underperforming as a starter:
“Even though he didn’t quite perform as many Nets fans were hoping, I still think that’s a great contract. To be making low 20s while being a starter, those are pretty good contracts.”
Does Johnson to the Lakers Make Sense?
Johnson’s size and perimeter shooting are clear positives for the Lakers, who will need 3-and-D wings—among other positions—to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Throughout his five years in the NBA, Johnson’s lowest three-point percentage was 34.9% in 2020-21—his second year with the Phoenix Suns. LA has emphasized the need for shooters next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and adding a marksman in Johnson is better than nothing. That potential acquisition, however, comes with notable cons.
The main concern about adding Johnson is reliability. While James and Davis played the majority of the season, injuries to the supporting cast limited the group’s potential last year. Johnson’s 58 games played for Brooklyn is the third-most he’s played in his career. He suited up for 66 in 2022 and 60 in 2021 (both with Phoenix). His injuries last year ranged from three separate leg injuries to a big toe sprain, which resulted in more time with the second unit late in the season. The Lakers may not be willing to trade for someone who hasn’t played a full 82-game season yet. Considering that 26-year-old Rui Hachimura outplayed Johnson as a starter, that may leave LA even less inclined to seriously pursue him. And for a team that’s very concerned about stepping into second apron territory, trading for a $23 million player may not be the best avenue.
But still, if Rob Pelinka decides to take another swing at a solid rotation player, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to call the Nets and ask about Cam Johnson. He may not be the needle-mover every Laker fan expects him to be, but he would patch a hole in the team’s offense and could fit well in JJ Redick‘s system.
