Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wesley Johnson
You want to talk about someone that is perfect for shooting the Lakers into contention for the worst record in the league? Look no further than Wesley Johnson.
Johnson was just another first-round draft bust when he came to the Lakers last season. They were hoping that he might develop into an athletic defensive specialist that can occasionally hit an open three-pointer. What they got was a so-so defender that somewhere along the line this season was given a green light to shoot. Kind of like this.
After coming back from a strained hip flexor on January 11, Johnson has averaged 8.3 points while shooting 36.1 percent from the field. From three-point range, where he has been solid all year, he is shooting 30.6 percent. At least Young had stretches of brilliance that warrant his shooting habits. Johnson, on the other hand, does not.
However, the goal is to lose more games, and there is no way to lose more games more efficiently than putting the ball in the hands of an efficient shooter. Johnson currently fits the bill. If he receives more than the 8.3 shots he is currently throwing up per game, the Lakers will be in good shape to get their draft pick.
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