NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Wesley Johnson Is Becoming Solid Player for Los Angeles Lakers

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By @getempsports

Wesley Johnson Los Angeles Lakers

Troy Taormina- USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers small forward Wesley Johnson had himself a very Merry Christmas. The fifth-year player dropped $200,000 on a brand new Aston Martin, according to reports. Johnson has performed well for the purple and gold as of late.

In the past seven games, the 6-foot-7 forward is scoring 12 points a game and making nearly half of his attempts. He’s averaging 9.3 points and 3.7 rebounds for the season. I know three points is not impressive, but Johnson’s athleticism helps him score in many different ways.

Since Kobe Bryant decided to sit a third game due to “general soreness,” Wes has scored 16.5 points on 42 percent shooting. The Lakers brought back Johnson in the offseason because he can bring a lot to the table. He can defend, rebound, run the floor and shoot the three. The past seven games he’s making 47 percent of his shots from the field and 61 percent from behind the arc.

He’s been in double figures in five of the last seven games. The first 22 games he scored double digits eight times. Bryant may be taking more time off during the season, so Johnson may have more opportunities to showcase his talent. The knock on Johnson is that he’s been inconsistent.

Tonight is a prime example. Johnson scored eleven points (3-14), eight boards, a steal and a block in the Lakers’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks. During the seven-game stretch I mentioned, he was averaging eight shots and scoring at an efficient rate. The 27-year-old needs to assert himself in the Lakers’ offense if he continues to shoot well.

Johnson’s defense has improved this season. He came into the league as a very good defender out of college. His length disrupts shooters. When he is beat off the dribble, he recovers very well. He has the quickness to help on double teams and get back to his man. The last few games he’s been averaging a block and a steal for the Lakers. Johnson is a very good help defender. He’s a below average rebounder but can improve with more time on the floor. He got nine rebounds against the Chicago Bulls on Christmas.

In a rebuilding year for the Lakers, there are few bright spots on the team. Jordan Hill and Ed Davis have been pleasant surprises, but Johnson can become another solid option for Los Angeles. It’s up to Johnson to seize the moment. He’s playing close to 30 minutes a game, plenty of time to fill up the stat sheet.

Johnson needs to continue to build on this run he’s on. After all, he’s on a minimum deal and is playing for his next contract. If his production is consistent enough for the Lakers, he’ll find himself sticking around in Los Angeles for a while.

Pablo Jacobo is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @getempsports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.

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