The Los Angeles Lakers have won five straight and are 9-4 for the season. The team is playing much better under first-time head coach JJ Redick and fans have already begun dreaming about a deep postseason run.
Despite the hot start, however, the consensus is that the Lakers need a few more upgrades. The team is still light on shooting and athleticism. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have to carry too big of a burden on both ends of the floor. It behooves the Lakers to lower this workload at least in the regular season to keep their two stars healthy for the playoffs.
Therefore, there is widespread expectation that the Lakers need to make a move or two at the trade deadline. One name that has been linked to the Lakers is sharpshooting forward Cam Johnson.
It turns out that the Brooklyn Nets are very open to the idea of trading the 28-year-old. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the entire team is on the trade block, except for their young scorer Cam Thomas.
"There is plenty of chatter about Brooklyn being the place to go for contending teams looking for upgrades when that crucial time of roster-building finally arrives. League sources say the rebuilding Nets are expected to be open for business... The reality of the Nets’ long-term plans means no one is likely off the table. "
- Sam Amick, The Athletic
The Nets are off to a better-than-expected start to the season. They are in a rebuilding mode and are looking to maximize their pick in a loaded 2025 draft class. Understandably, they are moving on from their veterans to improve their lottery odds.
Cam Johnson is one of the first players who they need to part ways with since he helps them win too many games. The former Suns forward is averaging a career-high 16.9 points per game on 38.1% shooting from downtown.
The Lakers desperately need more shooting around LeBron, Davis, and Austin Reaves. Johnson provides that and he should be near the top of the Lakers' trade targets.
