After a season filled with thrilling highs, the Los Angeles Lakers believe that one or two strategic moves could elevate them from fringe contenders to legitimate title threats in a stacked Western Conference.
The Lakers’ offseason priorities begin with resolving the futures of LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Both veterans could potentially depart Los Angeles if contract negotiations fail to reach satisfactory terms. However, if the front office successfully retains the duo, attention will quickly shift to upgrading the supporting cast around their superstar core.
One name generating serious buzz is Denver Nuggets sharpshooter Cameron Johnson. According to Nuggets on SI reporter Logan Struck, the 30-year-old forward represents an excellent fit for the Lakers, regardless of whether LeBron James returns.
“Johnson would be a snug fit in the Lakers’ lineup, with or without LeBron James returning to Los Angeles,” Struck wrote. In a potential deal, the Nuggets could pursue defensive-minded forward Jarred Vanderbilt or explore a sign-and-trade involving former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. Johnson’s expiring contract adds further appeal, offering the Lakers flexibility without long-term salary commitments.
Moving On From Smart: A Calculated Risk?
With generational talent Luka Dončić entering his prime, the Lakers understand their championship window is wide open. While there is consensus that the team will likely part ways with Vanderbilt this summer, any discussion of trading Marcus Smart is likely to raise eyebrows.
Smart delivered valuable contributions during the Lakers’ playoff run, providing dependable offense and lockdown defense. Yet if Los Angeles does not view him as a long-term cornerstone, flipping him now for a proven perimeter threat could prove highly beneficial.
Adding Johnson — a career 43% three-point shooter with significant postseason experience — would address a clear need. The Nuggets, reportedly looking to create cap space to retain rising star forward Peyton Watson, may be motivated to move the veteran wing, making him an attainable target.
Why Johnson and Dončić Could Be Lethal
The Lakers finished as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference this past season, showing championship pedigree with a late surge that included 16 wins in 18 games. Their playoff shortcomings, particularly in depth, were exposed once injuries hit — most notably the absence of Dončić.
Johnson’s elite shooting profile makes him an ideal complementary piece for Dončić, whose playmaking brilliance creates high-quality looks for perimeter specialists. A 43% career shooter from beyond the arc with proven playoff composure, Johnson struggled to meet expectations in Denver after arriving last offseason but still brings valuable experience from high-stakes environments.
Multiple reports confirm Denver’s willingness to move on from Johnson to gain financial flexibility. Earlier this month, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel listed the Lakers among teams showing interest. This week, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps added that Johnson is one of two key names the Nuggets may look to move.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Upgrade
For a Lakers team that many argue needs only incremental improvements rather than a major overhaul, acquiring Johnson could be the precise move to push them over the top. His ability to stretch the floor would create even more breathing room for Dončić to operate, while his postseason pedigree addresses the depth issues that hampered L.A. in the playoffs.
As the NBA offseason heats up, this potential deal carries significant intrigue. Pairing a $95 million sharpshooter with Luka Dončić in a Lakers uniform could fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Western Conference.
Whether the trade materializes through a direct exchange involving Vanderbilt, a sign-and-trade centered on Smart, or another creative package, one thing is clear: the Lakers are determined to enter next season not just as contenders, but as one of the elite teams ready to chase a championship.