Grading The Lakers So Far This Season
By Blair Hicks
Wesley Johnson
Nov 29, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Wesley Johnson (11) pass the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: C+
Johnson is both the most talented and most inconsistent of the new Lakers. One night its 27 pts, 6 rebs, and 3 blocks with 6 made 3 pointers and the next night its fouling out with a quiet 7 points. Johnson has had 6 games with 5 points or less, 7 games with double figure scoring, 4 games with 3 or more blocks, 7 games of 5 or more rebounds, and 5 games with 5 fouls or more. This maddening inconsistency is what has led to the bust label, after being drafted 4th overall in 2010. With that said, Johnson has mostly played a good overall floor game, providing excellent on ball defense, weakside shotblocking, rebounding, and three point shooting. He is the perfect compliment to Bryant, eerily reminiscent to Trevor Ariza circa 2008-2009. He is averaging 8.4 pts,3.7 rebs, and 1.6 blocks (leads team). He is shooting 44% percent from three.The Lakers will happily take what Johnson has provided to date, but his toolbox suggests much more is possible.