Los Angeles Lakers: Was It Smart To Add Wesley Johnson?

After general manager Mitch Kupchak was successful in acquiring helpful free agents this offseason, the door still remained opened for two more players on the roster.  The Los Angeles Lakers recently filled one of those positions as they agreed to terms with Wesley Johnson, formerly a member of the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wesley Johnson joins Nick Young and Chris Kaman as the highlighted additions for the Lakers. Photo Credit: Michael Dunlap, HoopsHabit.com

Johnson will be entering his fourth year in the league after playing in 50 regular-season games with the Suns in 2012-13.  Many fans may not remember him from his shining days at Syracuse , however, he will receive much more attention as a piece of Los Angeles’ bench.

At first, the signing didn’t make much sense to people who have kept up with the Lakers’ moves this summer.  Having a large backcourt consisting of Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks, Jordan Farmar and Darius Morris, the need for Johnson just didn’t seem apparent.  When the reality hit Hollywood that they would no longer have Metta World Peace via the amnesty clause, the search for depth at the small forward spot looked crucial.

It is quite possible that the 37-year-old Antawn Jamison would could not return for his second season as a Laker, which would add to the diminishing of the frontcourt.  As of July 16, newly signed Nick Young certainly has the highest hopes to become the starter, along with Bryant, Nash, Gasol and Chris Kaman/Jordan Hill.

This is where Johnson will come into play.

His numbers through his first three seasons (7.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game) will go unrecognized, but that is not why L.A. fans will adore him.  The attitude brought to the game will make this a great signing for Mike D’Antoni‘s plan next season.

Most recently stuck in a rebuilding situation with Phoenix, there is no doubting a more optimistic view will be coming his way.  Having a healthy Nash at the control, this could be the true blossoming of Johnson’s game.  Without teammates that strive to encourage you, it’s difficult to reach your full potential.  Keep a close eye on improvement in production while Bryant’s healing/resting period could run through the beginning of the regular season.

It is believed that D’Antoni will look to incorporate more post offense into his system, especially after receiving the physical 7-footer Chris Kaman.  Allowing Johnson to share minutes with Nick Young, this team could look more complete (in terms of positioning) than last year’s roster.  Still having most of his three-point snipers on the perimeter from last year, D’Antoni’s game plan should be to use Johnson as more of a defensive style to Young’s streaky offense.

Suns’ columnist Michael Dunlap provided some brief insight on what the new addition brings to the table, as he discussed Johnson’s personality being the one thing Los Angeles is going to gain.

Regardless what the Lakers are truly trying to accomplish this offseason, adding another set of fresh legs won’t turn out to be a bad decision.