The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets as potential trade candidates before the February 6th trade deadline, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. With the Lakers struggling to find consistent wing production, both players have emerged as ideal fits who can address glaring needs in Los Angeles’ rotation.
The Lakers’ interest in Finney-Smith is nothing new. Per Buha, Los Angeles has been monitoring Finney-Smith for over two years, recognizing his ability to impact the game defensively while being a reliable catch-and-shoot option. Now, with Brooklyn looking to retool its roster and prioritize future flexibility, the Lakers see an opportunity to acquire the veteran 3-and-D specialist.
Finney-Smith is currently on a 4-year, $55.5 million contract that pays him $14.9 million this season and runs through the 2025-26 season, with a player option in the final year.
He is in the midst of an impressive season, averaging 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting a blistering 45.0% from three-point range on 5.3 attempts per game. His defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions make him an excellent complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the Lakers’ system.
On the other hand, Cam Johnson represents a younger and more offensively versatile wing option for Los Angeles. Johnson, currently in the first year of a 4-year, $94.5 million contract, has a cap hit of $22.5 million this season, though it is likely to reflect as $27 million when adjusted for the Lakers’ cap situation.
Johnson is currently enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting an elite 48.4% from the field and 43.3% from three-point range. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and ability to stretch the floor, Johnson’s offensive skill set would significantly improve the Lakers’ spacing, which has been a critical issue this season. His size at 6’8″ also allows him to contribute defensively, making him a two-way asset for any team.
For the Nets, the decision to make both wings available comes after the franchise recently traded Dennis Schroder in an attempt to reshape its roster. Brooklyn currently sits in the Play-In mix in the Eastern Conference but appears to be prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term competitiveness. Johnson and Finney-Smith are two of the Nets’ most tradeable assets, given their value as plug-and-play wings who can fit seamlessly into any contender’s system.
The Lakers’ front office has been cautious with their trade assets, likely waiting until late January or early February to make their move. This timeline allows them to thoroughly evaluate their current roster, particularly the return of injured players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, who could help resolve some of the team’s rotational issues. However, if the Lakers decide to strike sooner, targeting Johnson or Finney-Smith would be a practical and impactful solution.
Johnson’s scoring ability and elite shooting would provide the offensive boost Los Angeles desperately needs, while Finney-Smith’s defensive prowess and shooting consistency would solidify the team on both ends of the floor. Both players would give the Lakers a chance to optimize their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis without compromising the team’s future flexibility.
In a season where the Lakers have struggled with inconsistency and depth, adding either Johnson or Finney-Smith could be the move that stabilizes their playoff push. With the Nets open for business and the Lakers in clear need of reinforcements, this remains a trade scenario to watch as the deadline approaches.
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