Key Takeaways:
– The Brooklyn Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the Manhattan Knicks for five first-round picks.
– There are rumors that Cameron Johnson from the Nets is also up for grabs.
– The Los Angeles Lakers might be interested in acquiring Johnson.
– The Lakers need a versatile forward, and Johnson fits the description.
– Johnson’s injury history might complicate matters.
In what comes as a shocking move on Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets traded player Mikal Bridges to the Knicks. They gained a hefty deal in return. It’s an impressive five first-round picks. It suggests a new rebuilding phase for the Nets. The deal comes on the heels of five disappointing years. But word among NBA circles suggests the Nets aren’t done yet. Cameron Johnson, another prominent Nets forward, may also be on the trading block soon. So, the Los Angeles Lakers need to take note.
Johnson isn’t exactly the high-profile star that Lakers fans envision donning the purple-and-gold. But, he’s precisely the kind of player the Lakers need right now. Johnson’s asset lies in his multi-layered skillset. He is an all-around forward with a handy shooting ability. This is a crucial skill that the Lakers need as they deliberate about next year’s team.
Wanting to Round Off with More First-Round Picks
In a bid to collect more first-round picks, the Nets have set their sights high. The question is, can the Lakers satisfy their demand? The Lakers can trade their No. 17 pick in the upcoming Wednesday’s draft. Furthermore, NBA rules allow them to trade away their future 2029 and 2031 first-round picks. But, their options for drafting trade chips are otherwise minimal.
Trading Veterans for a Shot At Johnson
With their limited options, the Lakers might resort to trading team veterans. They could offer point guard Gabe Vincent and big man Jarred Vanderbilt to the Nets. Both players had a low-key presence last year but could bounce back next season if given playing time. Adding the Lakers’ 2031 pick could seal a potential deal for Johnson.
That Johnson has had health issues and intermittent struggles makes it unlikely for other teams to offer multiple picks for him. Yet, teams like the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets are possibly on the lookout for forwards with shooting abilities. To sweeten the deal, the Lakers could also offer last year’s first-rounder, point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Johnson’s Career Stats and Performance
What might interest the Lakers about Johnson is his career 3-point line shooting percentage of 39.2%. Johnson peaked at a 42.5% from the arc during his third season with the Phoenix Suns. Following that season, Suns extended a $94.5 million four-year contract to Johnson. Unfortunately, persistent health issues have robbed him of consistent performance.
Johnson came to the Nets through the Kevin Durant trade just two years back. Johnson averaged 13.4 points and 4.3 rebounds last season and was moved to the bench mid-season.
The Lakers’ New Focus with Coach JJ Redick
Under the stewardship of new coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are focusing on more adaptable players. They need players who can easily switch on defense and stretch the floor on offense. Johnson fits the bill perfectly. Last season, Lakers only made an average of 11.8 3-point shots per game, ranking 24th in the NBA. A notable stretch-4 like Johnson could help improve this aspect. Redick clearly wants his team to perform better at multi-directional shooting.
After hearing these details, it seems like the Lakers might just be on their way to making a smart NBA trade deal. If they manage to snag Johnson, the upcoming season could be an exciting one for them. Keep an eye out on these developments, they’re certainly not ones to miss!