Los Angeles Lakers: Will Wesley Johnson Finally Blossom In Los Angeles?

Under the tutelage of Jim Boheim at Syracuse University, Wesley Johnson showed  flashes of being one of basketball’s rising young prospects. In 2010, Johnson entered the NBA Draft, and ended up as a top five pick with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Things were not exactly the journey that many envisioned for the talented wingman. He rounded out a young core in Minnesota, but the team couldn’t quite get Johnson going, despite averages of right under 10 points per game, and nearly five rebounds per game. Johnson also earned All-Rookie Second Team honors.

(NBA.com photo)

In the summer of July 2012, Johnson was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a three-team deal. It wasn’t until his tenure with the Phoenix Suns last season that he (Johnson) had a chance to play extensive NBA minutes.

But initially under Alvin Gentry, Johnson collected a string of DNPs (Did Not Play).  When Lindsey Hunter took over the Suns for the remainder of the year after a few games, Johnson managed some solid numbers at 13 points per game in the months of March and April. With a solid showing late into the season, it still was not enough to get Phoenix to extend a long term contract to the versatile small forward.

In need of young legs on the perimeter, enter the Los Angeles Lakers, signing Johnson to a one-year deal at the league minimum. One would believe that he will be ideal for the Mike D’Antoni fast-paced offense that the Lakers head coach loves to run. Johnson will be no savior to the storied franchise that, arguably, the best center in the game just left in Dwight Howard. But players such as Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are happy to see a young wing addition that will reduce the mileage on their bodies.

Not only will Johnson have a chance to continue to show his NBA potential, but the Lakers have a gaping hole at the small forward position that could use a player with his abilities. Especially in today’s game where championship contenders are rounding out their squads with “3 and D” players at the guard and forward spots. These players show a combination of defensive prowess, along with shooting ability. It seems that  Johnson fits this description thoroughly, but he must be willing to cater to his strengths, and learn from Kobe and Co.

During his introductory press conference, LA Times Writer Eric Pincus quoted Johnson stating,

"“I think this is one of the most important seasons of my life,” said Johnson, who struggled to live up to expectations through his first three years in the league. “I’m coming out to show you the real Wes.”"

The importance of this season to Wesley Johnson’s career will be tested as time will only tell. Training camp for the Lakers is fast-approaching, and he will need to grow into a solid role this year to find a niche in the NBA. A high-profile team like the Lakers may seem like an unlikely situation to have a resurgence, but this just may be the situation fit for Johnson, and all of his intriguing abilities.