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4 Disposable Lakers if the team needs to create a roster spot

By Nick Halden

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Stanley Johnson #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Stanley Johnson #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers and the majority of the league have remained in a holding pattern since Kevin Durant’s trade demand hit the headlines. The news brought new life to the Kyrie Irving to the Lakers rumors and has given the Lakers hope they can still make a splash this offseason.

What few moves the team has made have been all about getting younger and better defensively. Adding players around LeBron James and Anthony Davis who will move without the ball and play defense. Often defense appeared optional for the team last season and it is obvious the team’s priority is to change that.

Russell Westbrook remains a big question mark on the roster and the team continues to wait for the Nets to make a decision on Durant and Irving. When that happens the team should be expected to make a final flurry of roster moves whether or not they end up acquiring either player.

The Lakers roster is far from complete but in a holding pattern until the team determines if there is a blockbuster trade to be had. When they do make that final decision, however, there are notable Lakers who are expendable if the team has the need to create an extra roster spot this offseason.

The most disposable players on the Los Angeles Lakers:

1. Stanley Johnson

There was a point last season when Stanley Johnson had an argument as not only the Lakers’ best player off the bench but their best player outside of the big three. For a stretch, Johnson knocked down his shots and stood out by simply making an effort on the defensive side. While he was a key contributor for the team down the stretch last season the Lakers acquired far better options to fill the role Johnson had last season.

If the team needs to create a roster spot Johnson’s name will likely be near the top of the list. The forward finished last season with 6.7-points per game averaging 46% from the field with most of his value coming in his defensive energy off the bench.

The Lakers won’t hesitate to move on from Johnson if the team finds an upgrade or needs a roster spot in a potential blockbuster trade. Not only is his upside very limited but he serves as a reminder of a team that was a complete and utter failure down the stretch last season unable to hold off the Pelicans from claiming the play-in spot and falling into irrelevance and letting a number of very winnable games slip away.

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