The Los Angeles Lakers are still exploring ways to fine tune the roster around Luka Doncic this offseason.
The departure of LeBron James meant the franchise was entering new territory, and it responded by venturing into the market and signing a cavalcade of potentially high impact players, starting with 25-year-old rising star center Walker Kessler.
L.A. is still, however, a bit light at the forward position even after signing Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili. The team has made a strong push for Atlanta Hawks free agent star Jonthan Kuminga for over a month, but both sides have been unable to come to terms on a deal.
The Lakers could turn back to the trade market, and there might be a strong option out there that Doncic, ever the playmaker, would welcome.
This Lakers Trade Idea Lands a Sharpshooting Wing Next to Luka Doncic
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Lakers could use more shooters, something a Doncic-led team can never have enough of. Grimes can knock down some 3s. So can the newly-acquired Collin Sexton and Matisse Thybulle. But not like Denver Nuggets star Cameron Johnson can.
In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers dial up the Nuggets and Detroit Pistons to execute a three-team deal that sends Johnson, one of the league’s top sharpshooters, to L.A. Here is a proposed framework.
Lakers receive: Cameron Johnson and a 2029 second round pick (via DET)
Nuggets receive: Dalton Knecht and two second round picks
Pistons receive: Jarred Vanderbilt
It is important to reiterate that this trade is hypothetical and intended for some fun debate. So, why might all three teams agree to this deal?
Why Denver and Detroit Do the Deal With L.A.
For the Nuggets, moving Johnson, who is set to earn roughly $23 million next season, for Knecht trims nearly $19 million in payroll and generates nearly $10 million in tax space. With restricted free agent Peyton Watson still unsigned, making a trade like this could go a very long way for Denver. Not to mention the team would add a young sharpshooter and a couple of draft picks in the process.
For the Pistons, who already boast one of the league’s top defensive units, adding an elite on-ball defender in Vanderbilt could be a sneaky-good pickup. Plus, Vanderbilt, 27, would cleanly slide into Detroit’s wide open traded player exception, meaning the team wouldn’t add a dime to its payroll.
Meanwhile, the Lakers get a strong pick up to fill out their wing depth. Johnson, 30, is a proven playoff starter and has played in an NBA Finals. Johnson averaged roughly 12 points per game and cashed 43 percent of his 3-pointers last season.
Although there has been some reporting that the Nuggets have turned down offers for Johnson, whom they acquired last offseason, the Nuggets have reached a point where they have become the league’s most financially-burdened team. Moving Johnson may not just be prudent — it could be necessary if Denver wants to retain Watson, the 23-year-old with All-Star potential.
For the Lakers, Johnson could slot in as a full-time starter and play his best basketball as the beneficiary of Doncic’s elite playmaking.
Lakers Trade Pitch Gives Luka Doncic a 43% 3-Point Sniper in Major 3-Team Deal