Ranking 24 worst Lakers starters of the Kobe Bryant era

21. Wesley Johnson

Johnson was the fourth overall pick in 2010 after an outstanding junior season at Syracuse. The 6’7 wing immediately jumped into the Timberwolves starting lineup. It lasted just two years before Johnson was traded to the Suns. His minutes slid further, and Johnson got a fresh start by signing with the Lakers in 2013.

The 6’7 wing’s two seasons with the Lakers were Bryant’s injury-plagued years. Kobe played just 41 games and the Lakers only won 48. It was not pretty, but Johnson played well in the first season. He averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block in 28.4 minutes per game. His playing time increased in year two, but his production dipped.

Johnson stayed in LA as he signed with the Clippers in the 2015 offseason. The 6’7 made 121 starts over his two seasons with the Lakers and started just 65 games over his final four NBA seasons after leaving the franchise. He was not a starter. Johnson held his own defensively but offered little on the other end of the floor.

Kobe Bryant made just 39 starts next to Wesley Johnson, but that was enough to earn the 6’7 wing a place on this list. Johnson’s defense was not enough to make up for the Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of talent and wins in his two seasons with the franchise.