The perfect Lakers trade offer for Cam Johnson
The Los Angeles Lakers have been very quiet this offseason, making no moves in free agency or through a trade. The Lakers’ only additions have been Dalton Knecht and Bronny James through the draft.
While it’s becoming increasingly likely that the Purple and Gold stand pat heading into the season, they are expressing interest in some role players.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson is a player the Lakers have expressed interest in acquiring.
The Nets are in rebuild mode after sending forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for a lot of draft capital.
With that in mind, here is the perfect Lakers trade offer for Cam Johnson.
Report: Kings, Magic, Lakers and Cavaliers interested in Cameron Johnson https://t.co/HTKGiilzvV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 24, 2024
Lakers land Johnson
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, and a 2029 first round pick
Lakers receive: Cam Johnson
In this deal, the Lakers ship out the expiring contracts of D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish while giving the Nets a young guard in Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2029 first round pick.
The Nets would get off the three-year $68.8 million remaining on Johnson’s contract and clear up cap space for next offseason. They could also develop Hood-Schifino as a young guard.
This trade gives the Lakers a three-point sniper, fitting well in JJ Redick’s system. Redick, a sharpshooter during his career, plans to emphasize shooting around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Johnson averaged 13/4/2 on 45/39/79 shooting splits. The 28-year-old is a great floor spacer, shooting 42.1% on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts.
Johnson is also a quality defender, which would help LA’s defense improve around Davis.
Although they may be hesitant to trade a first-round pick, with other teams in the mix to acquire Johnson, they would have to include one to make a deal happen.
Tyus Jones should be a player the Lakers should pivot towards. Yes, another guard but arguably still one of the best backup/starter mixes, knows his role, and has always had the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/MOVnRZZNvM
— Quest for 18 Podcast (@Quest18Pod) July 1, 2024
Open roster spots
In this trade, the Lakers also open up two more roster spots. This gives LakeShow flexibility to add a couple of role players who remain in free agency.
A point guard who would be a great fit is Tyus Jones. Jones was expected to earn a solid payday, but the free agency market has dried up. The 28-year-old could take a one-year deal, and the Lakers could offer him the TPMLE.
Jones averaged 12/3/7 with 1.1 steals per game with 49/41/80 shooting splits. He would be a great fit as the lead guard off the bench.
The Purple and Gold could then keep their final roster spot open for a potential addition on the buyout market.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers’ offseason has been far from ideal. However, there is still plenty of time before opening night to improve the roster around LeBron and AD.
Acquiring a 3&D forward in Johnson while opening up two roster spots would be a great move to upgrade the roster and add a player who fits alongside the stars and in Redick’s system.
HORRENDOUS trade. You give up a scoring total of ~24PPG combined between Dlo and Cam while also attaching what is essentially 2 FRPs (17th pick of 2023 : JHS + 2029 FRP) for a 13 PPG guy who can barely rebound as much as Reaves, can’t block shots, can’t stay healthy as much as needed while paying him damn near $24M a year when he doesn’t move the needle at all whatsoever. This is yet another example of stupid moves that reek of sheer desperation, just making moves to make moves not to improve or anything. Just another Westbrook trade for sh*ts and giggles because we didn’t have enough of that, so let’s do it again!