Los Angeles Lakers find out what “Playoff Mode” is against the champs
By Ronald Agers
Johnathan Williams keeps up his inspired play!
Just call this guy “Hard Work” because that what he brings to the table. Imagine leaning up against DeMarcus Cousins all night and trying to be effective. Johnathan did this by playing with energy and it paid off.
Williams led the Los Angeles Lakers in scoring and rebounding tallying 17 points and 13 rebounds (six on the offensive end) with an assist, a steal and a block. He had a few high-flying dunks as well.
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to have to find a spot of the roster for Johnathan Williams. Moritz Wagner was the first round pick last year, but he has been outplayed for the most part by Johnathan Williams and this goes as far back as the preseason.
Is Wagner more polished than Williams? Sure. But Wagner has been bullied down on the defensive end all season long and his jumper does not justify keeping him on the floor. Plus he is showing his deficiencies on playing the pick and roll.
With an offseason program for Williams and Summer League run in a few months, Johnathan Williams will pass Moe Wagner on the depth chart.
Furthermore, Johnathan Williams was one of the few Lakers, along with Caruso, that will sacrifice on defense. It is very sad that the best two defenders on this Lakers team happen to play for the South Bay Lakers with two of the three cheapest contracts on the team.
While LeBron James makes about, say, $35 million! Do the math! Speaking of defense…