The Lakers strengthen, the Rockets get a bargain?

The Lakers management's signings this summer can be described as tepid. Talented center Ayton and best defensive player Smart have both passed their peak period. Laravia is just a role player and cannot make up for the losses caused by the loss of Finney Smith. Doncic lost weight successfully and successfully completed the contract renewal. He is considered a key factor in whether the Lakers can reach the NBA championship. James became the X factor. He did not attend Doncic's renewal ceremony, which was interpreted by the media as dissatisfaction with the neglect of the Lakers' management. Doncic is different from Davis. He and James have partial overlap in their playing style and functions. The two of them cannot achieve the effect of 1+1>2 when they partner. General Manager Pelinka has decided to build a championship team around Doncic. Even if James wants to get a one-year contract extension, he was rejected, which is in sharp contrast to Doncic's treatment.

Recently, US media BR suggested that the Lakers management pursues the Spurs' best sixth man Kelden Johnson in the offseason this summer. Before Wenbanyama came to Christmas Tonho, he was the Spurs' number one star and had good scoring ability. The media provided a three-party trading offer to the Lakers, Rockets and Spurs. The specific trading plan is:

1. The Lakers gave Jared Vanderbilt + Dalton Kneckett + the 2029 Lakers first round pick (1-4 pick protection) to get Kelden Johnson;

2. The Rockets gave 2026 Bulls second round pick + 2029 Kings second round pick Dalton Kneckett;

3. The Spurs gave Kelden Johnson got Jared Vanderbilt + the 2029 Lakers first round pick (1-4 pick protection) + 2 future second round picks.

James' historical status and existing ability determine that he does not want to assist Doncic, and the Lakers will have to choose to take the team. It is still unknown whether head coach JJ Reddick can balance the relationship between the two. Kelden Johnson averaged 23.8 minutes per game last season, contributing 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists, and shooting percentage of 48.2%. The rapid growth of Best Rookie Castle and the addition of Dylan Harper in the 2025 second place will greatly reduce his playing time. Kelden Johnson is used to playing the role of the sixth man. He will not threaten the core position of Doncic and James, nor will he compete with Reeves, Ayton and Hachimura for the starting position. Therefore, for the Lakers management, Kelden Johnson's joining is a powerful addition to the strength of the lineup.

This deal For the Rockets, Kneckett, as a young pitcher, can increase the Rockets' outside offensive firepower, because his value has shrunk significantly due to poor performance in the summer league. The Rockets received two second-round picks from the Wizards in a trade to send Whitmore away, which could be used as a bargaining chip for the quote Kneckett. The Spurs are still in the reconstruction stage, and general manager Brian Wright is still full of interest in collecting draft picks. Kelden cannot get a stable playing time, and his psychology will inevitably change. The Lakers can provide him with the opportunity to compete for the NBA championship and higher exposure, so Kelden is full of interest in going to Los Angeles. In addition, Vanderbilt has excellent defensive strength, and his passion and vitality are suitable for the young Spurs.

All views refer to authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and recommend fans first.