The Los Angeles Lakers have not had much luck in the early stages of free agency, missing out on top targets like Klay Thompson who opted to sign with the Dallas Mavericks instead. With the need to add another star player to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are facing the challenge of navigating their salary cap limitations.
LeBron James recently agreed to a new two-year, $104 million deal with the Lakers, which puts the team just over the second apron of the salary cap. This makes it difficult for the Lakers to add a big-name player unless James is willing to take a pay cut. There have been talks of James possibly taking slightly less to give the team more flexibility in building the roster.
While the Lakers have been linked to players like DeMar DeRozan and Jerami Grant, there is another player who could be a strong trade option for the team – Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson is a 6’8″ 3-and-D player who shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season. With the Nets looking to rebuild, Johnson is considered a trade candidate and could be a realistic target for the Lakers.
Although Johnson may not be the “third star” that James and Davis were hoping for, he would still be a valuable addition to the team. At 28 years old and under contract for three more seasons, Johnson could provide the Lakers with the shooting and defensive presence they need. While DeRozan and Grant are top targets for the Lakers, Johnson should not be overlooked as a potential trade option.
In order to acquire Johnson, the Lakers would need to find a way to get below the second apron of the salary cap and find a suitable salary match for the trade. While D’Angelo Russell remains a trade chip for the Lakers, his salary may not match Johnson’s value. However, finding a way to make a deal for Johnson work could be a more feasible option for the Lakers.
As the Lakers continue to explore their options in free agency and the trade market, Cameron Johnson should be considered a strong trade option alongside DeRozan and Grant. While he may not be the flashy star player fans are hoping for, Johnson could provide the Lakers with the depth and shooting they need to compete at a high level in the upcoming season.