The Los Angeles Lakers are feeling the heat this offseason. They had high hopes of landing stars like Klay Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas, but things didn't pan out. Thompson, a longtime Warrior, has joined the Dallas Mavericks in a major sign-and-trade deal . Valanciunas, meanwhile, signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards, adding some veteran muscle to their rebuilding squad.
As the Lakers scramble to regroup, other teams are making big moves. The Brooklyn Nets previously traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, shaking up the Eastern Conference. There's also a lot of talk about Cam Johnson being on the market, attracting interest from several teams. Out west, the Utah Jazz seem ready to trade multiple players to stock up on draft picks, signaling a major rebuild.
With the clock ticking, the Lakers need to move quickly and smartly to strengthen their roster. The free agency window is closing, and they’ll need a brilliant strategy, possibly a three-team blockbuster trade and signing DeMar DeRozan , to stay competitive next season.
The Blockbuster Trade To Shake Up The League
Lakers receive: Cam Johnson, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
Nets: D’Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, 2026 swap pick (via Lakers)
Jazz: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood 2029 first-round pick (via Lakers)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively pursuing improvements to their roster, showing significant interest in acquiring Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson, a sharpshooter, would be a perfect fit to enhance the Lakers' perimeter game, which struggled in the playoffs. Adding Johnson gives them a reliable shooter, while Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler bring in youth and defensive capabilities.
On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets are in a rebuilding phase after trading Mikal Bridges to the Knicks. They are open to moving other key players, as acquiring D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish, along with a future pick, helps them in their rebuilding efforts by bringing in experienced players and future flexibility.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz have expressed willingness to move significant pieces like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. This openness to trades indicates their strategy to gather more draft picks and young talent to build for the future. Receiving multiple young players and a future first-round pick aligns with their goal of stockpiling assets and developing a young core.
Related: Lakers Wanted To Trade D'Angelo Russell In A Deal For Klay Thompson But Warriors Weren't Interested
How The Lakers Get Better After This Move
The Lakers’ potential blockbuster trade could seriously shake things up for them. By bringing in Cam Johnson, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler, the Lakers would be adding some key pieces that could make a huge difference next season.
First off, let’s talk about Cam Johnson. The former Sun is an elite shooter. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting nearly 40% from three. That kind of shooting will help spread the floor and give LeBron and AD more room to operate. Plus, his rebounding helps out on the defensive end. Johnson isn’t just about offense; his height and wingspan make him a decent defender on the perimeter, which is something the Lakers need more of.
Now, Collin Sexton is a scoring machine. He put up 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last season. Sexton loves to drive to the basket and score in bunches, which will take some pressure off LeBron and Davis. Plus, his ability to create plays and dish out assists makes him a dual threat. His energy and competitiveness are infectious, and whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he’s going to bring a lot of fire to the team.
Walker Kessler is another exciting addition. The young center averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and a whopping 2.4 blocks per game last season, mainly off the bench. Kessler is a shot-blocking beast, which will significantly improve the Lakers' defense in the paint. His presence will make opponents think twice about driving to the basket. On top of that, his rebounding skills will help the Lakers dominate the boards, limiting second-chance points for their opponents. While his main strength is defense, he’s no slouch on offense either, contributing solid points in the paint.
Bringing these three players into the fold gives the Lakers a much more balanced team. Cam Johnson’s shooting will make them more dangerous from beyond the arc. Collin Sexton’s scoring and playmaking provide a dynamic element to the backcourt. Walker Kessler’s defensive skills shore up the interior. Together, they address some of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses from last season.
This trade not only strengthens the starting lineup but also improves the bench. Depth is crucial for any team aiming to make a deep playoff run, and this move ensures that the Lakers have quality players to step in when the stars need rest. It’s about having a well-rounded team that can compete at a high level throughout the entire season.
In short, by bringing in Cam Johnson, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler, the Lakers are set to improve their shooting, scoring, defense, and overall depth. This move could very well be the key to pushing them back into serious championship contention.
Signing DeMar DeRozan Is A Must
The Lakers need to make a strong push for DeMar DeRozan this offseason. DeRozan, one of the league’s most consistent scorers, is hitting free agency, and his addition for the MLE could be a game-changer for the Lakers.
DeRozan is coming off a stellar season with the Chicago Bulls, where he averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, shooting 48% from the field. Despite his impressive performance, the Bulls have struggled to advance deep into the playoffs, and DeRozan has made it clear that contending for a championship is now his top priority as he nears the end of his career.
The Lakers have struggled with consistent scoring outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis . DeRozan’s ability to score from mid-range and drive to the basket would add a reliable third-scoring option. His average of 24 points per game last season highlights his offensive prowess, something the Lakers sorely need. DeRozan is not just a scorer though; he’s also a capable playmaker, as evidenced by his 5.3 assists per game. His ability to handle the ball and create plays would take some pressure off LeBron, allowing him to play off the ball more and preserve his energy for crucial moments.
At 34, DeRozan brings veteran experience and leadership to a Lakers team that has a mix of young players and established stars. His presence in the locker room and on the court would be invaluable, especially during high-pressure situations in the playoffs.
DeRozan's mid-range game and ability to drive to the basket complement LeBron and AD's styles perfectly. While the Lakers have struggled with perimeter shooting, DeRozan’s efficiency in the mid-range can help diversify their offensive strategy. Additionally, his durability—playing 74 games or more in each of his last three seasons—ensures he’s a reliable presence on the court, something the Lakers desperately need given the injury histories of their current stars.
There’s considerable interest in DeRozan from other teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Golden State Warriors, all of which are looking to add veteran talent to their rosters. DeRozan is eligible for a significant contract, potentially in the range of $75 million over three years if he signs with the Bulls, but other teams are expected to offer competitive deals as well. The Lakers will need to maneuver their cap space carefully, possibly through trades or other financial adjustments, to accommodate DeRozan's contract if he is not willing to sign for the Mid Level Exception of $12.8 million.
In summary, signing DeMar DeRozan would provide the Lakers with a reliable scorer, a versatile playmaker, and a seasoned veteran, making them a more balanced and formidable team. His addition could be the key to making a deep playoff run and contending for another championship.
A Greatly Revamped Team
Starting Lineup: Collin Sexton, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Cam Johnson, Anthony Davis
Bench: Max Christie, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Walker Kessler
The potential starting lineup of Collin Sexton, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Cam Johnson, and Anthony Davis, with a bench featuring Max Christie, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Walker Kessler, sets the stage for a significantly improved Lakers team under new head coach JJ Redick. Collin Sexton brings dynamic scoring and energy to the point guard position, complementing LeBron and AD by driving to the basket and creating plays. DeRozan's scoring consistency and mid-range prowess will relieve some offensive pressure from LeBron, making him an ideal third scoring option and playmaker. With his shooting, Cam Johnson will spread the floor, giving LeBron and AD more room to operate inside, while also providing valuable perimeter defense. Anthony Davis will continue to anchor the defense and contribute significantly on offense, adding versatility to the lineup with his ability to play both center and power forward.
The bench depth featuring Max Christie and Austin Reaves provides additional energy and shooting, with Reaves showing promise as a reliable rotational player. Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt bring a balanced frontcourt presence, with Hachimura's scoring and Vanderbilt's defensive and rebounding capabilities. Walker Kessler, as a shot-blocking specialist, will bolster the Lakers' interior defense, crucial for limiting opponents' second-chance points and protecting the rim. This combination of young talent and veteran experience off the bench ensures that the Lakers can maintain a high level of play even when their stars rest, addressing one of the team's critical needs from the past season.
Under JJ Redick's guidance, known for his high basketball IQ and shooting expertise, the Lakers are expected to adopt a more modern and efficient offensive system. Redick’s emphasis on spacing and ball movement will be pivotal in maximizing the talents of Sexton, DeRozan, and Johnson. His experience as a player who excelled in well-spaced offenses will help in designing plays that exploit the strengths of this new roster. The balanced attack, coupled with improved defense, positions the Lakers as a formidable contender in the Western Conference. The added depth and scoring options reduce the heavy reliance on LeBron and AD, making the team more resilient and consistent throughout the season.
In conclusion, the integration of Sexton, DeRozan, and Johnson, along with a strong supporting bench, significantly enhances the Lakers' potential. This revamped lineup under JJ Redick's strategic guidance blends veteran leadership with youthful energy and skill, making the Lakers a powerhouse in the NBA. The balanced offense and strengthened defense could translate to a deep playoff run, providing a legitimate shot at the championship. With the right execution, this team has the tools to achieve great success and bring another title to Los Angeles.
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