In the pursuit of an 18th championship, the Los Angeles Lakers have opted to take the long road home. Prioritizing the 2024 NBA Draft and the development of the young players on the roster could be a polarizing decision, but it's one that speaks to the intentions of new head coach JJ Redick.
Thankfully for those who hope to see the Lakers contend in the short term, options are available to improve in crucial areas via free agency and the trade market.
Any potential move that the Lakers make would need to come without sacrificing the long-term vision. That admittedly limits Los Angeles' options, but it would be a fool's errand to pretend that there isn't help that can be found on the open market.
While there are several weaknesses that need to be addressed, perhaps the most manageable area in which the Lakers can improve is three-point shooting.
Los Angeles ranked eighth in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage in 2023-24, but finished No. 24 in conversions and No. 28 in attempts. Redick has already discussed his plan to have the Lakers shoot more often in 2024-25 and beyond.
The options to improve in that area have dwindled, but there's still an abundance of high-level shooters who can help provide an instant fix in that regard.
That all begins with a potential trade target.
Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
One of the most costly potential targets in this regard, Cameron Johnson is one of the best shooters in the NBA. The Brooklyn Nets forward has a high and quick release point, teachable fundamentals, and just over $68.8 million remaining on his current contract.
That money is spread out across three seasons, meaning the Lakers would need to determine if the risk is worth taking on here—and there's a case to be made that it would be.
Johnson is a career 39.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc, with 83.0 percent efficiency at the free throw line. He knocked down 39.1 percent of his attempts in 2023-24, with an average of 2.4 conversions in 27.6 minutes per game.
Injuries have been an issue for Johnson, as he's missed at least 24 games in each of the past two seasons, but he's an elite marksman when healthy.
The primary appeal with Johnson is that he ranks among the best catch-and-shoot players in the NBA. He knocked down 42.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-point field goals in 2023-24, buried 41.5 percent in 2022-23, and converted 43.0 percent in 2021-22—sustained proof of his efficiency.
Johnson would likely cost the Lakers some combination of Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and a future first-round draft pick, but the reward could be worth the risk.
With Johnson in the fold, Anthony Davis and LeBron James would have an elite wing shooter to space the floor for them.