According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of several clubs interested in dealing for Brooklyn Nets small forward Cam Johnson.
“Johnson’s size (6-foot-8), age (28) and shooting skill all contribute to his value. Last season, only ten NBA players 6-7 or higher averaged more 3-pointers than his 2.4.
While the Kings, Magic, and Lakers are intrigued, a recent report suggested that the Spurs, Raptors, or Warriors may be a “dark horse,” Lewis said.
During his inaugural press conference, new Lakers head coach JJ Redick frequently stated that he wants the club to shoot more three-pointers and surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with more versatile players.
Johnson certainly fits the bill.
Last season, the Lakers finished 28th in terms of 3-point attempts per game.
Johnson, a career 39.2% 3-point shooter with 5.2 attempts per game, can step in and immediately bolster the Lakers’ offence. Because of his stature and versatility, the 27-year-old wing can also play as a defender. Placing him next to James and Davis will discourage him from defending the stronger, low-post guys and instead focus on defending the perimeter against wings and guards.
Cam Johnson Will Not Come Cheap
Johnson has three years remaining on a team-friendly four-year, $108 million contract (with more than $12 million in improbable bonuses, according to Spotrac) inked with the Nets last season.
“While Johnson is entering the second year of a four-year, $94.5 million extension, it de-escalates after next season to just 13.91 percent and 13.85 percent of the salary cap in the final two years, making it team-friendly,” according to Lewis.
With Mikal Bridges’ departure, the Nets are in full rebuilding mode. But Johnson will not be cheap.
“The Bridges trade and the agreement with Houston to return their own 2025 and ’26 choices have provided the Nets the aforementioned flexibility. But transferring Johnson would provide considerably more,” Lewis noted.
With multiple teams interested, the Nets have the advantage.
Will the Lakers give up their draft capital for Johnson?
Lakers are cautious about trading draft capital.
During the introductory press conference for rookies Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka explained the team’s cautious approach to the trade market, which has resulted in a quiet offseason thus far.
“We’re going to always be aggressive to trying to make roster upgrades and we’ll be relentless to continue to look at what we can do,” Pelinka told the crowd.
However, he also mentioned that they are being cautious due to the new, punitive Collective Bargaining Agreement, which limits what clubs can do to fill out their rosters once they reach the first and second aprons.
“If the right deal comes along and we have to put in draft picks, we will,” Pelinka told reporters. “We are now in the apron world.”
The Lakers have two first-round picks (2029 and 2031) and five second-round picks from next year’s draft until 2031.
Pelinka referenced contending teams losing players as a result of the new CBA.
The Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while Paul George left the Lakers’ crosstown rivals, the Clippers, as both teams attempted to sneak under the second apron.
“That’s the result of the apron world we live in,” Pelinka explained. “So, does it make trading more difficult? Yes! Does this make excellent trading impossible? No! So we will continue to look for ways to improve our roster.”
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