As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to bolster their roster, focusing on two players from the Brooklyn Nets who could enhance their playoff aspirations.
With a current playoff position in the Western Conference, the Lakers aim to strengthen the supporting cast around their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Evan Sidery from Forbes reports that the Lakers’ front office has set its sights on Nets wings Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Their combined contracts total $41.9 million, indicating that any potential trade would require a huge investment.
After an offseason that lacked major acquisitions, General Manager Rob Pelinka is under increasing pressure to improve the team, especially as the competition for playoff spots in the Western Conference heats up.
Dorian Finney-Smith has been a target for the Lakers for over two years, and his appeal is clear. His defensive skills and dependable catch-and-shoot abilities make him a valuable asset.
As Brooklyn transitions to a rebuilding phase, the Lakers recognize a chance to acquire this seasoned 3-and-D specialist. In addition, Cam Johnson offers a different kind of appeal—a younger, more offensively versatile wing who could inject new energy and scoring into the Lakers’ lineup.
The interest in Johnson and Finney-Smith reflects a strategy reminiscent of the Lakers’ successful 2020 NBA Championship run. That championship was achieved by surrounding James and Davis with talented role players who could execute their roles effectively.
While neither Johnson nor Finney-Smith may be the most headline-grabbing names in trade discussions, they embody the type of strategic additions that could be vital for a successful playoff campaign.
