Can Rob Pelinka truly find the pieces he needs to rebuild the Lakers? Yes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton are here. But Cam Johnson? The Brooklyn Nets power forward who’s having one of the best seasons right now. He’s been on LA’s radar for a while now, however, there has been no progress (reportedly). But now, Pelinka’s hopes might be in a dilemma because his side isn’t a favorite even in predictions.
Evan Sidery of Forbes reported an updated report on Cam Johnson’s trade destination odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. The OKC Thunder (+240) are the favorites to land Johnson, with a stellar lineup rocking the NBA scenes in the West, the team wouldn’t mind more faces to improve their roster. So, adding a versatile forward would do them no harm. Then there’s the Pacers (+500), Kings (+550), Grizzlies (+800), Nuggets (+800), and the Warriors (+850). The Warriors have the longest odds among these teams. While Johnson would fit their system, their limited trade assets and cap constraints may make a deal less likely.
Updated Cam Johnson trade destination odds via @DKSportsbook:
Thunder = +240
Pacers = +500
Kings = +550
Grizzlies = +800
Nuggets = +800
Warriors = +850The Nets’ trade market for Johnson among contending teams is extremely robust. pic.twitter.com/p5WOt1DP1w
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 10, 2025
But what’s concerning here is that the Lakers are not on the list of favorite teams. Rob Pelinka should worry, as his hawk’s eye for the 28-year-old Nets forward is missing the mark. If the trends continue, it’s safe to say Sam Presti’s Oklahoma City Thunder would have Johnson before LA could even place their bets.
Besides, a bigger concern is looming at large for Pelinka and Co., and it’s not good news. The Lakers are twisting things in the trade scene with their D’Angelo Russell move, which might be pushing their Zach LaVine desires far, far away.
Rob Pelinka might be straying away from acquiring both Zach LaVine and Cam Johnson
According to HoopsHype’s reports: “There was early-season talk about Zach LaVine and the Lakers, but the puzzle didn’t have the right pieces at the time. With Los Angeles moving the D’Angelo Russell contract a few weeks ago for Dorian Finney-Smith, the puzzle was all but thrown in the garbage.” Rob Pelinka’s Finney-Smith ($14.9M) and Shake Milton ($2.9M) combination compared to D’Lo’s $18.7 million is costing him a tad bit more than he would’ve liked.
Zach LaVine will have around $89 million left on this contract after this season, while Cam Johnson will have around $65.5 million, making it to a total of $154.5 million. The Lakers, $3.5M below the second apron, must navigate trades cautiously to avoid penalties. They are anyway above the first apron and incurring a luxury tax penalty. This is exactly why the front office didn’t make any major summer trades.
Therefore, moving ahead, how flexible would Pelinka’s wallet be around signing stars like Zach LaVine or Cam Johnson becomes a question. Besides, the Lakers aren’t even a choice in the favorite odds for Johnson to land. In that case, what can the front office do to make the deals they’re looking for? Smarter and packaged trades, maybe? We’ll let LA’s front office decide that.
The post Lakers Rumor: Major Concerns Over Rob Pelinka’s $154.5M Trade Plan Emerges As D’Angelo Russell Decision Backfires appeared first on EssentiallySports.
