The Los Angeles Lakers’ two-headed monster of Luka Dončić and LeBron James helped the franchise to clinch Western Conference’s No. 3 seed with a 50-32 regular season record, but several personnel issues could prevent the storied organization from hanging its 19th championship banner come season’s end.

For a team that should be surrounding the incredible passing tandem with capable three-point shooting threats, the group managed to knock down just 36.6% of their outside looks to rank as a middle-of-the-pack distance shooting collective in 2024-25.

In an effort to improve their long-range shot-making and add yet another trusted two-way wing, the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka could look to pull off a massive trade with the Brooklyn Nets to acquire their 6-year veteran and experienced playoff performer, Cam Johnson.

For a deal to take place, the Lakers would likely have to part with their No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Dalton Knecht, draft capital and the contracts of Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt.

As a prospective addition for the Lakers, Johnson’s insertion into their small-ball rotation under head coach JJ Redick could prove to be a perfect fit. At 29 years old, the ex-Phoenix Suns prospect contributed career-bests of 18.8 points and 3.4 assists while connecting on 39.0% of his 7.2 three-point attempts for Brooklyn this season.

If paired alongside James and Dončić on their quest to raise the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2025-26, Johnson’s lethal outside shot and well-rounded offensive game could lead to a desired postseason outcome for the Lakers. He’d be especially deadly after receiving drive-and-kick dishes from the pair as a corner three-point threat, as he’s drained a blistering 44.1% of his looks from that spot on the floor for his career.

On the defensive end, the 6-foot-8 combo-forward could also provide some support for the slower-footed Dončić on the perimeter.

Though the idea of Los Angeles swinging a trade for the battle-tested forward may be tempting for Pelinka and his staff, a deal may not come to fruition due to Johnson’s outspoken commitment to the Nets moving forward.