Lakers Draft Evaluations: Comparing Then & Now

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

NBA Comparison: Eddie Johnson/Shawn Marion

Strengths:

“Wes has all the tools, and fits the description of your classic athletic small forward… He’s quick and slippery when moving in the lane… Has a strong mid-range game that will only get better… Can spot up from short or deep, but seems to excel at shooting off one dribble after his quick first step… Extremely unselfish, the offense rarely becomes stagnant when the ball is in his hands… An underrated passer showing excellent vision and passing skills for a 3… Can quickly move from weak-side to ball-side…”

Weaknesses:

“Sometimes Wes settles or relies too much on his jump shot, and when it’s not on that day, he can disappear for long stretches throughout the game… When guarded by stronger defenders, he tends to pull back for tougher jump shots as opposed to taking it strong and drawing the foul… Has trouble creating off the dribble, most of his opportunities come after one dribble or a catch and shoot…”

How accurate was his evaluation?

People may have forgotten Johnson was drafted fourth overall in 2010 by Minnesota and was taken over stars DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George. Johnson’s WS/48 has always been below average in his five years in the NBA. Interestingly, when Johnson played for the Suns, he finished with a WS/48 of 0.0. That means for that season, Johnson contributed to exactly zero wins for Phoenix. Johnson’s PERs as a NBA player have always been below average, but has been its best during his two seasons in a Lakers uniform, finishing with 11.0 and 11.1. It is too early to label Johnson as a “bust” as he is only 27 and has time to improve, but definitely is heading in that direction.

Next: Arizona Big Man