The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to adding a talented forward to their rotation. And while Andrew Wiggins continues to be highlighted as an ideal fit, Rob Pelinka will likely have other options available to him.
According to Ryan Stano of “Lakers on SI,” Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs could be a logical target. Johnson is a six-year NBA veteran and has impressed during his tenure with the Spurs.
“Perhaps the most realistic trade candidate, Johnson would be able to help the Lakers off the bench,” Stano wrote. “They don’t have anyone that they can truly trust to score in a bench role. Gabe Vincent gets hurt every four games, Jake LaRavia is now on his third team, and LA seems to have given up on Dalton Knecht. Johnson’s efficient shooting would be attractive to the Lakers.”
Last season, Johnson suited up for 77 regular-season games. He averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 48.2% from the field. However, his 31.8% conversion rate from deep may be a sticking point for a Lakers team looking to improve its floor spacing off the bench.
Lakers Could Dangle Dalton Knecht
A move to acquire Johnson would likely be viable for the Lakers. The veteran forward has two years left on his current deal, worth $17.5 million per season. Los Angeles should have no trouble matching salaries in a potential deal.
When quickly toying with Spotrac’s trade machine, one deal that could work looks like this:
Lakers Get: Keldon Johnson
Spurs Get: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and future second-round draft assets
In truth, Hachimura can be flipped in a straight one-for-one deal. However, the Spurs will undoubtedly want something of value for one of their key rotation players. That’s where Knecht comes into the equation. The 24-year-old sharpshooter is entering his second year in the NBA and fits the Spurs’ rebuilding timeline.
Knecht’s 37.6% shooting from deep should add ample floor spacing for Victor Wembanyama to exploit when rolling to the rim or working out of the mid-range. Furthermore, Hachimura would be a strong addition to what the Spurs are building in Texas.
Haywood Highsmith Another Option For Lakers
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, Haywood Highsmith could be a cheaper alternative to Wiggins.
“Haywood Highsmith is a good name to drop here, too,” Irwin said on the Sept. 8 episode of The Lakers Lounge podcast. “Brooklyn is stockpiling assets and eventually they may be open for business. If Wiggins costs an arm and a leg, does it make more sense to bring in Highsmith for a fraction of the cost? That could be something the Lakers consider, or do they try to bring in both? There is no such thing as too much wing depth in the modern NBA.”
The Lakers are in a strong position heading into the new season. The roster has been upgraded at multiple key positions. Pelinka has multiple tradable assets at his disposal. If a forward who fits what the Lakers are looking for becomes available, they should have no trouble putting together a package to add them to JJ Redick’s roster.