The Los Angeles Lakers could be considering a potential training camp sign for Stanley Johnson, who has been solid in the G League and hopes to make a return to the NBA and his ex-team.
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to solidify their frontcourt over the past year, especially after their trade for Mark Williams was rescinded. They now rely on Jaxson Hayes, while Alex Len didn't fit, and they're considering converting Trey Jamison III's two-way contract to a standard NBA deal to make him playoff-eligible.
Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson
Team:
Position: SF
Age: 28
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 110 kg
Birth place: California, United States of America
However, the Lakers might have a hidden gem in their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. According to team beat writers, Stanley Johnson is a name worth monitoring on the South Bay roster.
He could potentially earn a summer league invite or a training camp contract with the LA Lakers.
"He obviously played with the Lakers and was a fan favorite, honestly, that a lot of people wanted back. ... He's trying to make the team again and I think he's another guy that really represents the fit between the Lakers and South Bay. That guy fits what the Lakers wanna do: be big, be physical, be a monster in transition, can switch 1 to 4 or 1 to 5.
"His fit to me would be so fascinating," Chipalu added. "LeBron and Luka team where you're already huge at every position and you throw Stanley Johnson in there -- another huge, bulldog type of player.
"I'm not sure he would play summer league, but I'm guessing he would get a training camp invite," the beat writer went on to say. "The Lakers don't really have a roster spot this year. I would expect Jordan Goodwin to get one and then Trey Jamison if the Lakers are able to open up room. So, Stanley's a guy that Lakers fans should monitor and see if he can contribute next season."
Johnson, a 28-year-old power forward, joined the South Bay Lakers after an uneventful overseas stint. He left Anadolu Efes Istanbul in early February, having played 17 EuroLeague games this season while averaging 1.9 points and 1.1 rebounds.
Credit Sonia Canada/Getty Images
The 6'6" forward was drafted eighth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
Over eight NBA seasons, he played for the Pistons (2015-19), New Orleans Pelicans (2018-19), Toronto Raptors (2019-21), Los Angeles Lakers (2021-22), and San Antonio Spurs (2022-23). Across 449 regular-season games (104 starts), he averaged 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 19.8 minutes per game.
During his Lakers stint, Johnson played 48 games (27 starts) and averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 22.8 minutes per game. He became South Bay's 40th call-up in franchise history, signing with the Lakers on December 24, 2021.
This season in the NBA G League, Johnson has played six games, averaging 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
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