Report: Lakers Interested In Trading For Nets’ Cameron Johnson

According to NBA insider Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in trading for Brooklyn Nets wing Cameron Johnson. 

The Nets are in rebuild mode after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. 

Johnson appeared in 58 games for the Nets in 2023-24. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 44.6% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc and 78.9% from the free-throw line. 

The Nets acquired Johnson from the Phoenix Suns in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade during the 2022-23 season.

Johnson, 28, has career averages of 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Suns and Nets while shooting 44.7% overall, 39.2% from 3 and 83.0% from the foul line. 

Johnson will make $23.6 million next season. He signed a four-year, $94.5 million contract with the Nets in July 2023. 

The Lakers hired JJ Redick as their new head coach. Redick signed a four-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $8 million per season with the Lakers, who fired Darvin Ham after two seasons.

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers went 47-35 in 2023-24. They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games.

Denver also beat Los Angeles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals. 

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Redick is focused on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement and alleviating LeBron James‘ workload.

LeBron, 39, is the oldest player in the NBA. He turns 40 in December. 

“He explained his decision-making process when it comes to strategy, how the analysis and empirical evidence would always guide his choices rather than preconceived notions or outdated beliefs,” Charania, Buha and Amick wrote. “Redick described a system molded around this roster, focusing on elevating Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and alleviating the constant ballhandling duties on James by utilizing him more off the ball. Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs will be critical.”

LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers.

Most NBA insiders expect LeBron to return to LA to continue his partnership with Davis.