LeBron James has solidified his legacy. He’s one of the best players in NBA history. Somehow, he isn’t done. James is nearing the typical age of retirement, but he’s still performing at an All-NBA level.
Somehow, the Los Angeles Lakers have been disappointing anyway. This is a problem. James’ legacy may be solidified, but he’s still looking to improve on it. So far, it’s not looking like that’s going to happen in 2023-24.
That makes the Lakers a strong candidate to make a major trade at the deadline. This team has a lot of needs, but a strong 3-and-D wing could take them to the next level. Could they acquire Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Cameron Johnson, F Royce O’Neale, G Dennis Smith Jr.
Four NBA championships. Nine trips to the NBA Finals. James has had a remarkable run. Some would say that his run has been particularly impressive in light of the era that he played in.
After all, James has played during the superteam era. Some fans will give him extra credit for vanquishing the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Others will scoff. Wasn’t James one of the first players to assemble a superteam when he joined the Miami Heat?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Sure. At the same time, all super teams aren’t built to succeed. Look at the Nets. This organization had Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on their roster, and they collapsed. Should they trade Johnson next?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets didn’t get those players for free. Durant and Irving joined as free agents, but they had to trade for Harden. In that deal, they sent the Houston Rockets control of their draft through to 2027.
The Nets are still feeling the ramifications of that move. This team is mediocre, but without their own draft picks, it’s difficult for them to rebuild. In all likelihood, they’ll stockpile assets until they can trade for a star player.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Here, they’re landing a valuable asset. With that said, reuniting with Russell makes sense as well. This team needs a point guard, and in all likelihood, that will still be true when they acquire their next star. Should the Lakers send them their point guard?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers don’t have the same need for a point guard. James is their primary playmaker. They still need a player at that position. That’s why they’re getting Smith. He’s emerged as one of the better defensive guards in the NBA.
Still, Johnson is the big prize here. He’s an elite 3-and-D wing. Typically, surrounding James with those types of players has been a recipe for success.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That’s why the Lakers would also be interested in O’Neale. In the end, this deal improves the Lakers’ floor spacing significantly. That could be enough to help James continue building on his legacy.
