As the NBA trade deadline nears, the Lakers are strategizing to enhance their roster by targeting two players from the Brooklyn Nets who could aid their playoff ambitions.
Currently positioned in the playoff bracket of the Western Conference, the Lakers aim to strengthen the team around their star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the front office has identified Nets wings Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith as key targets. The combined value of their contracts totals $41.9 million, indicating that any potential trade would require a substantial investment.
Having experienced a quiet offseason without major signings, General Manager Rob Pelinka is under increasing pressure to make roster improvements, especially as the competition for playoff spots intensifies in the Western Conference.
For more than two years, the Lakers have considered Dorian Finney-Smith a potential asset, and his appeal is quite clear. His defensive skills, along with reliable catch-and-shoot capabilities, make him a desirable option.
With Brooklyn now shifting its focus to rebuilding and future development, the Lakers view this as an opportunity to acquire an experienced 3-and-D specialist.
Additionally, Cam Johnson offers a unique appeal as a younger, more offensively versatile player who could inject new energy and scoring into the Lakers’ lineup.
The interest in Johnson and Finney-Smith mirrors the strategy that contributed to the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship victory. This successful championship run was achieved by surrounding James and Davis with adept role players who understood their responsibilities.
While neither Johnson nor Finney-Smith is likely to steal the spotlight in trade discussions, they exemplify the type of strategic additions that could be essential for a successful playoff campaign.
