Lakers' Underrated Trade Targets for Luka as New Rumors Leak Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft, Free Agency

It might be a belief fueled by ambition and optimism, but the Los Angeles Lakers might think that a successful offseason could slot them into the NBA championship race as soon as next season.

That's one of the many perks of having a mega-talent like Luka Dončić around. Give him the right pieces, and he just put together a masterpiece.

L.A., of course, needs quite a few pieces. Center is often cited as a position of need, but this team isn't exactly brimming with two-way talent on the wings. And that latter itch might have the Lakers looking toward the Denver Nuggets as possible trade-partner scratchers.

The Nuggets need to free up funds to cover the cost of Peyton Watson's restricted free agency, which has led to "a growing belief leaguewide that the Nuggets will explore their potential trade options with Christian Braun as well as Cam Johnson," per NBA insider Marc Stein.

The Lakers have had eyes on Watson himself before, but that pursuit could be cost-prohibitive and a potential waste of critical time, since the Nuggets could simply match any offer sheet Watson signs. And Denver could take its time matching, thus tying up L.A.'s spending money and burning bridges to alternatives.

A trade for one of Braun or Johnson, on the other hand, would be cheaper, more direct and doable at any time. It also might be the right time to acquire either at a bargain rate, since Braun is coming off such an injury-impacted year, while Johnson's volume production backtracked in a big way following his trade from Brooklyn to Denver.

Granted, that doesn't make for the most encouraging sales pitch, but there are trustworthy track records behind both. Johnson has long made the league's short list of high-end three-and-D wings. And Braun has made a big impact as a two-way energizer—while also converting 39.2 percent of his three-point looks over the previous two seasons combined.

These are legitimately good players. Not great ones, obviously, but the Lakers already have a great player in Dončić and might see greatness in front of Austin Reaves. (Plus, the door still seems open for the all-time great, LeBron James.) Star power wasn't the Purple and Gold's problem this past season; the stars just didn't have proper support (or great timing with their injuries).

The Lakers' summer wish list could be lengthy.

Finding an alternative to Deandre Ayton is a must. Point-of-attack stoppers are still needed. Spacers will forever be coveted. Every team needs wing depth.

If L.A. could at least check the box next to two-way wing with Johnson or Braun, that would allow it to invest its remaining resources elsewhere. The Lakers hold the 25th pick in the upcoming draft. They're one of the only win-now teams with significant cap space. They have future picks to help push trade talks over the finish line.

Again, a dream summer is absolutely within arm's reach. And if the front office nails one decision after the next, maybe this could transform into a true title contender.

The Lakers just need to start addressing some items on that to-do list. Pouncing on the opportunity created by the Nuggets' need for flexibility could be a smart start.