Lakers reportedly among three teams interested in trade for Nets forward

The Los Angeles Lakers failed in each attempt to make a splash during NBA free agency. But after whiffing on names like Klay Thompson, they're reportedly still ready to continue swinging away.

Although the franchise was stuck mainly after numerous players opted into their options, the latest rumor links them to Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson. According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post , they aren't the only ones with interest. Two other teams are reportedly interested, and three more are considered "dark horse" options to acquire the 28-year-old.

"While the Kings, Magic and Lakers are interested, one recent report claimed the Spurs, Raptors or Warriors could be a “dark horse," Lewis wrote.

Johnson would make a lot of sense for the Lakers as the 6-foot-8 forward is a strong outside shooter, knocking down 40 percent or more of his attempts in two of the last three seasons. The lone exception was last year, in which Johnson shot 39.1 percent from beyond the arc with the Nets.

While Johnson's scoring was down slightly last season compared to his first stint in Brooklyn, 25 games in 2022-23 after he was acquired from the Phoenix Suns, his upside is undeniable after 83 regular-season games with the franchise. Over 100 games in the past two years, he averaged 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from deep.

The big question comes down to what the Lakers can put on the table for Johnson if there's a bidding war with the Sacramento Kings or Orlando Magic. Or, for that matter, even the San Antonio Spurs, who Lewis cited via NBA analyst Jake Winbach, could offer Keldon Johnson and draft compensation in a potential deal.

The Lakers will likely make a move, if not before the season, then before the trade deadline this upcoming season. However, who their primary target will be and how much they offer will remain hot-button topics.