The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of a 3-and-D wing like Cam Johnson reflects their urgency to solidify their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
With a record of 16-12, the team has shown resilience but still has clear gaps to address, particularly in perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
Why Cam Johnson Fits
Cam Johnson, currently shooting an impressive 43.1% from three-point range on 7.6 attempts per game, is an ideal candidate for the Lakers. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns perfectly with the team’s needs.
At 6-foot-8, Johnson not only provides size but also a career-long consistency from beyond the arc (39.6%) and an ability to thrive in various offensive schemes.
His career year—averaging 18.5 points, four rebounds, and three assists—only bolsters his case as a valuable midseason acquisition.
The Cost of Acquisition
Acquiring Johnson won’t come cheap. The Lakers would likely need to part with a first-round pick, with their 2029 and 2031 selections being their most valuable trade assets.
Given Johnson’s current contract ($22.5 million) and his potential cap hit ($27 million), the Lakers would need to match salaries, possibly involving players like Rui Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt in a deal.
Additionally, Johnson’s teammate, Dorian Finney-Smith, could be a secondary target. Finney-Smith’s defensive prowess and lower salary ($14.9 million) make him an attractive, albeit less offensively dynamic, option.
Packaging the two players could provide the Lakers with a significant boost on both ends of the floor.
Market Competition
Johnson is among the most coveted trade candidates, with other teams likely to bid aggressively for his services. The Lakers’ willingness to include a first-round pick may determine whether they can outmaneuver competitors.
Their interest in Johnson and Finney-Smith has been longstanding, as reported by Jovan Buha, which suggests they may be willing to go all-in for the right deal.
Strategic Implications
If the Lakers acquire Johnson, they would gain a reliable two-way player capable of elevating their playoff aspirations. However, such a move would also signal their commitment to winning now, potentially sacrificing future flexibility.
Balancing immediate needs with long-term planning will be critical as they approach the February 6 trade deadline.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ success in landing Johnson or Finney-Smith will depend on their willingness to pay the price, both in assets and salary.
Given their current trajectory, adding a player of Johnson’s caliber could be the key to transforming them from a solid playoff contender into a legitimate championship threat.
