Rob Pelinka is on the prowl, scanning the trade market with a hawk’s eye for the perfect additions to revamp the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, whispers of a roster overhaul circle, and the Lakers front office is ready to pounce. However, they’re not the only ones with a plan in motion. In fact, the Brooklyn Nets, eager to rebuild, have a treasure trove of trade candidates—and, as a result, Pelinka has them all on his radar.

Among the top targets, however, is a 28-year-old forward—the kind of player who could be the key to unlocking the Lakers’ championship potential. Yet, the question remains: Will Pelinka successfully land this prized asset, or will other plans ultimately get in the way?

28-year-old forward, Cam Johnson is in the midst of his best offensive season. He is averaging 18.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. With a field goal percentage of 49%, the Nets star is trying to be the “glue” for Brooklyn. Besides, he is willing to stay with the team, that is, if they keep him.

Cam Johnson’s wishes could be a major blow to Rob Pelinka’s desires

Speaking with HoopsHype about the trade talks, Cam said, “I want to be here and get this thing really turned around and back to winning basketball. I think we have the group to do it. I think we have the assets and pieces to do it. Whatever they decide, no hard feelings.”

As the trade deadline nears, many believe Johnson could fetch a future first-round pick if the Nets trade him. However, here’s the twist—if it were up to the 28-year-old forward, he’d fight tooth and nail to stay in Brooklyn.

Still, Pelinka and the Lakers are keeping a close eye, ready to make their move. However, the Nets’ hooper’s further confession could directly hit LA’s desire to acquire a talented forward for the team.

Johnson further noted: “I want to build this,” he told HoopsHype. “I really like coach Jordi. And, I like our staff. I think we’re headed in the right direction. Can’t tell them exactly what to do and how to proceed.”

Johnson continued: “The business will do what the business does. I don’t take it personally either way. For me, I’m invested in what we have. It’s been exciting to find progress and to see the potential. I want to be here and get this thing really turned around and back to winning basketball. I think we have the group to do it, and I think we have the assets and pieces to do it. Whatever they decide, no hard feelings.”

Simply put, Cam Johnson is putting his faith in the Brooklyn Nets front office. However, given the “weird relationship” Rob Pelinka & Co. have with the Nets, Bulls, Jazz, and Raptors, a trade could be around the corner.

Besides, the Lakers have a list of players whom they’re going to prioritize for the team in exchange for the likes of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura before the trade market shuts down on Feb 7, 2025.

LA Lakers have these players in their trading radars

To begin with, Rob Pelinka has been on a quest to improve the Los Angeles Lakers roster for a while. Well, with the trade market hot and open for the executives to dive, there are no chances that the Lakers GM wants to miss. Thus, he has targetted another star from the Brooklyn Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Finney-Smith has been pegged to be worth multiple second-round picks. Additionally, “several playoff-caliber teams have already expressed interest in him.”

Rob Pelinka also considers veteran guard Dennis Schroder one of Brooklyn’s top trade candidates. The Lakers believe his current trade value stands at multiple second-round picks, viewing him as a potential rental.

The trading scenes are heating up. And clearly, Pelinka is not the only one racing in this. Major teams are digging deep to find the best fit. For the Lakers and the Nets, this is about reshaping their models. They want to get back on the championship radar. What will happen next? What do you think?