With respect to the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2021-22 campaign, things could not be going much worse. The purple and gold currently occupy the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference with an overall record of 27-31 heading into the second half of the season.
Most basketball enthusiasts thought that the Lakers would be performing much better than they are this year. Part of the reason for the team’s ongoing struggles stems from the fact that they can never seem to be fully healthy. As a result, the Lakers have had to get creative in terms of their roster decisions.
Earlier this season, one gamble the Lakers made was signing forward Stanley Johnson to a 10-day pact. Like a lot of other teams so far this season, L.A. needed fresh bodies in order to remain competitive.
At the time, the average person (myself included, truth be told) did not think much of the move. Granted, Johnson was a former first-round draft pick, it would have been a stretch to say that picking him up was the kind of story that would be on the front page of the paper the next day.
Fortunately for the 17-time champions, they soon realized they had a diamond in the rough in the former Arizona Wildcat. The storied franchise inked Johnson to a couple of additional 10-day contracts, and eventually signed him to a two-year deal.
While Johnson may not necessarily be a stat-stuffing machine, he is the following. The Southern California native takes advantage of every opportunity he is given and has been at his best on defense.
That being said, it sheds light on why the Lakers opted to give Johnson the chance to play in front of his hometown team. He has been a great addition to the roster given that Frank Vogel has always prioritized defense in particular.
What makes Stanley so unique is his blend of strength and athleticism. Luckily, the forward possesses enough agility to keep up with most opposing guards. At the same time, Johnson has oftentimes been asked to guard post players as well due to his bulkier physique.
In other words, the ballplayer brings versatility to the table, an asset that is more than welcome on a team that has endured plenty of adversity. Amid an otherwise forgettable stretch, he has managed to be a consistent performer for Los Angeles.
Stanley Johnson’s consistent effort each night has earned him regular minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation.
Let alone what he contributes on the court, though, it has become known that Johnson wants to work to improve his game off the hardwood. Damian Burchardt of Lakers Nation recently wrote that Stanley Johnson has previously spent time working out with Lakers’ assistant coaches.
However, the 25-year-old recently expressed via social media that he hopes to one day work out with a well-known former Laker: Metta World Peace.
Say it louder for the people in back!!!!! @MettaWorld37 im ready when you ready OG!! https://t.co/Ek91N0vFsI
— 7even (@iAmSJ) February 17, 2022
Akin to Johnson, World Peace was an absolute pest on the defensive end in his heyday. Additionally, it is worth noting that Metta was a crucial part of the Lakers’ championship run back in 2010. Thus, learning a thing or two from a player with such experience would be invaluable to Johnson’s growth in the league.
Johnson’s thirst to want to work out with World Peace demonstrates just how hard-working he is. It validates that he cares and wants to continue to prove why he deserves a spot on the Lakers.
For those who have not been paying attention, Johnson did not even start the year with the Lakers. Quite frankly, one could argue he was nothing more than a mere journeyman when he signed his first 10-day pact with them. Therefore, to see that he has an innate desire to seek out knowledge is commendable.
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As indicated, Stanley Johnson grew up in Southern California. He attended Mater Dei High School and had more than his fair share of success with the national powerhouse. On that note, Johnson knows how to play winning basketball and that has certainly translated in his playing time with the Lakers.
In the truest sense of the term, Johnson’s career has completely turned around since joining the franchise. Johnson is a scrappy wing player and one can only hope that he is able to meet World Peace one of these days. Any pearls of wisdom World Peace could impart would be of great benefit to an athlete seeking to make a name for himself.
Both World Peace and Johnson are built tough and embody how basketball is meant to be played day in and day out. It is a bit cliché, but defense does indeed win championships at the end of the day.
Accordingly, assuming Stanley Johnson continues to work on his craft and can manage to train with an individual like Metta, it can only breed positive results. Here’s to hoping that their schedules can ultimately align!