Lakers Exploring Trade for Nuggets Sharpshooter Cam Johnson
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The Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in acquiring Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson as the 2026 NBA offseason begins, according to league sources cited by HoopsHype.
Who is involved?
Johnson, 30, drew inquiries from five franchises—the Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic—while Denver attempts to cut salary to slip below the league’s new second tax apron.
Contract and performance details
The 6-foot-8 wing is entering the final season of a $23.06 million deal. He just completed a career year, shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 43.0 percent from three-point range.
Why it matters for Los Angeles
Los Angeles can generate the NBA’s largest amount of cap space this summer and owns first-round picks in 2031 and 2033. Because of that flexibility, the Lakers could absorb Johnson’s full salary without sending matching contracts to Denver, potentially lowering—or even eliminating—the draft compensation required in a trade.
Nuggets’ motivation
Denver is prioritizing room to re-sign restricted free agent Peyton Watson. Moving Johnson’s expiring contract would provide immediate relief.
Next steps for the Lakers
If Los Angeles secures Johnson, the front office is expected to use remaining cap space to address other needs, particularly at center.
Ayton’s player option
Center Deandre Ayton is anticipated to exercise his $8.1 million player option for 2026-27, keeping him under contract yet making him eligible to be traded during the current offseason.
The Lakers’ combination of cap space and future draft assets positions them as a prominent contender for Johnson as roster construction accelerates ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Source: LakersNation.com
