​My take is that the Los Angeles Lakers could yield real dividends for themselves and complicate the Nuggets’ roster plans by pursuing a 3-and-D wing valued at around $95 million that Luka Doncic would presumably find appealing. This topic originally appeared on The Sporting News, which also notes the value of designating The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. The gist of the debate is that certain players sometimes look better in certain environments than they actually are, and that perception can influence trade discussions.
We’ve seen plenty of role players rise to prominence on lottery teams and put up impressive scoring numbers, leading some observers to overestimate their true impact. Cameron Johnson, currently with the Denver Nuggets after a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. to Denver, is a prime example in the public eye of an offensively capable player who might have been pegged by some as an All-Star caliber contributor. But that designation may not align with his actual role or what the Nuggets were seeking from him. Yet, paradoxically, that exact profile could be precisely what the Lakers should be chasing, which is why the latest speculation about Johnson potentially being moved could be music to L.A.’s ears.
As one analyst, Joe Cervenka, observed, Johnson has delivered what he was brought in to do: he operates as a smart, efficient spacer who can knock down 3s at an elite rate—43.0 percent from beyond the arc. For contenders in need of dependable, high-IQ wing depth, a player like Johnson is an attractive asset on the open market. The catch, of course, is the Nuggets’ financial situation. With the league’s second-apron rules creating a tight salary-cap environment, there is a real possibility that keeping Johnson on the books might no longer be feasible for Denver. The idea then becomes flipping him for multiple cost-controlled assets to rebalance a top-heavy roster, a move that could benefit the Nuggets in the long run while presenting the Lakers with a meaningful target.
For the Lakers to land a player of Johnson’s caliber, a meaningful return would be needed from Denver. However, the realities of NBA trades can complicate things. The Lakers’ asset base isn’t particularly expansive, which limits the magnitude of what they can offer in return. That said, I still believe pursuing a Johnson-type addition could be an ideal strategic move for Los Angeles. The right deal could pair Johnson’s shooting and spacing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a way that elevates the Lakers’ offense and provides a reliable, switchable wing defender on the other end.
Among potential angles, there’s talk of a discreet pathway toward adding a player like Matisse Thybulle—the sort of underrated, wing-focused contributor who could quietly fit the Lakers’ needs without demanding an outsized price. The broader trade chatter also touches on how other teams in the league might leverage their assets in response to looming cap considerations, including the Nuggets, who could be motivated to recoup value while mitigating luxury-tax concerns.
In this context, the idea that the Nuggets could be open to trading a player of Johnson’s caliber for a package of cost-controlled assets that helps them reconfigure their depth and future flexibility makes strategic sense. For the Lakers, the objective would be to land a proven floor-starter who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and seamlessly fit into a playoff-ready rotation. This kind of player could address several of Los Angeles’s needs: a reliable connector who can space the floor for ball-handlers like LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell while offering a defensively versatile wing that can switch across positions.
Despite the optimism, it’s important to acknowledge the practical hurdles. The Lakers don’t own an abundance of high-impact, movable assets, which could limit the scope of a deal with Denver. Conversely, the Nuggets’ willingness to part with Johnson would likely hinge on obtaining a return that justifies parting with a player who has become a crucial piece of their lineup and a player who can help them navigate the Salary Cap’s challenging constraints. If the right combination of inexpensive, controllable assets and potential future picks comes together, a trade that benefits both teams becomes more plausible.
Looking beyond the headline names, there are other avenues the Lakers could pursue to achieve a similar outcome without overpaying. Targeting under-the-radar wings who can contribute as 3-and-D specialists with adjustable contracts could yield significant value. There are also ongoing discussions about how other teams view players who don’t perfectly align with traditional star-level expectations, yet who bring tangible on-court value in the right system. The broader takeaway is that the Lakers should be open to strategic, measured moves rather than chasing a single marquee name, especially if the cost is prohibitive.
Ultimately, a trade that adds a reliable 3-and-D wing who can anchor lineups and provide shot-making space could be the linchpin the Lakers need to convert a competitive roster into a true championship contender. The path to that outcome remains complex and highly contingent on the specifics of any potential deal, including which assets Denver would accept, how much of Johnson’s salary they’re willing to trade away, and what longer-term financial and roster considerations look like for both teams. If the right alignment of assets and organizational goals comes together, the Lakers could find themselves with a valuable, season-changing addition that complements their core and accelerates their pursuit of success.