Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson, right, scores on a fast break against Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum, of France, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Monday, March 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

The Lakers never knew what they would get from Wesley Johnson. Johnson never knew what he would get from the Lakers, either.

The Lakers would marvel at his athleticism. They would fret at his inconsistent play. They would scratch their heads how Johnson could defend the Clippers’ Blake Griffin one night and not stop an unknown player the next. Johnson would relish his opportunities. He would downplay his up-and-down
performances. Johnson would occasionally point out the multiple responsibilities that often entail defending someone far much bigger than his listed 6-7, 210-pound frame.

Now, Johnson enters the 2014-15 season both with a fresh slate and a role in which he believes he will thrive. Lakers coach Byron Scott has strongly suggested Johnson will start at small forward, beginning with the team’s preseason opener Monday night against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. Johnson’s services will become more valuable considering the Lakers are thin at small forward because of injuries to Nick Young (torn ligament in right thumb), Ryan Kelly (strained left hamstring) and Xavier Henry (back spasms).

“I expect a lot from Wesley Johnson,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said. “He’s been looking great in training camp, running up and down the floor, defending. That’s something I think he can be one of the best in the league at doing.”

Johnson maintains he will be ready.

“I know what to expect. I know what I’m coming into,” Johnson said. “I know I’m going to play the wing now. That’s what I’m going to do on the offensive and defensive end. I’m ready for it.”
Continue reading “Wesley Johnson believes he will have a more comfortable role this season” »

Lakers’ Wesley Johnson goes up for two points second half action at Staples Center Sunday, March 30, 2014. Lakers defeated the Suns 115-99. ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News )

Below is the fifth in a series previewing the story lines surrounding each player on the Lakers’ roster for the 2014-15 season. This post focuses on Lakers forward Wesley Johnson.

1. Will Wesley Johnson start? Lakers coach Byron Scott currently feels that way, believing that his athleticism and defensive talent will become valuable in a lineup that otherwise features aging veterans without many defensive reinforcements. Scott also argued Nick Young’s prolific scoring will help jumpstart the team’s second unit and not become diluted because of Kobe Bryant’s presence. But Scott revealed his thinking last week in a wide-ranging interview, stressing that this spot is not solidified partly because he wants both players to compete for the role in training camp.

2. Will Johnson become a consistent player? Johnson frequently made the Lakers’ organization and their fans leap out of their seats last season. That happened for different reasons. Johnson’s gravity-defying athleticism made the Lakers stare in awe, such as when he made a game-winning alley-oop lob against Portland in April. Johnson’s lack of consistency also prompted the Lakers to scratch their heads.

Scott sounded puzzled in providing an explanation to explain Johnson’s inconsistency after watching him play last season as an analyst for Time Warner Cable Access SportsNet. But it appeared Johnson’s hustle partly depended on how well he produced offensively. It also seemed that Johnson became lost on various issues, including court awareness, defensive rotations and what his role should entail. It did not help that Johnson’s laid-back demeanor suggested indifference toward the urgency in correcting his mistakes.

Surely, Bryant’s increased presence this season will help Johnson take care of these problems. But if Johnson will ever shed his reputation as a disappointing fourth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, he will have to show more self-motivation in ensuring he becomes a more reliable player.
Continue reading “Lakers depth chart breakdown: Wesley Johnson” »