Topic: We wonder whether Wesley Johnson has earned a long-term contract with his play this season.
Context: Coming into this season, the Lakers’ biggest perceived weakness was at the small forward position. However, it was also one of great promise as Wesley Johnson possesses all of the physical tools a team wants in a small forward.
Though Johnson was extremely inconsistent last season, he spent much of his summer working with Kobe Bryant and with a full-time return to small forward in order, there was belief that he could finally take that next step.
So far this season, returns have continued to be inconsistent. Johnson has looked like a different player at times this season. He is less hesitant and at times, has attacked the basket like many fans have been calling for.
His defense has been hit or miss, but he has made some major plays. In particular, his last minute steal and layup on James Harden stands out as perhaps his finest play in a Lakers uniform.
Though still not exactly what fans have been hoping for, Johnson has had some great moments this season, and it is worth wondering whether the Lakers should keep him around for the future.
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Verdict: We went to Twitter to ask the loyal Lakers Nation followers whether Wesley Johnson has earned a long-term contract with the Lakers. These are some of the responses:
@TheeCoreyH #LNDebate Maybe 3 years. No more than 3mill annually. But not as a starter. Lacks consistency Same 4 Lin But off the bench only!
— Todd Grieco (@ToddyGrieco) January 17, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation NO WAY The definition of a pro basketball player is someone brings it night in and night out. #LNDebate
— joe mendieta (@joe_mendieta) January 17, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation well… Maybe not long term, but who else can the Lakers get to play the three or trade for? #LNDebate
— Joshua Sos (@joshsos) January 17, 2015
@TheeCoreyH @LakersNation #LNdebate surprisingly yes, but he would def cement a long term deal if he could drive to the basket/ hit 3s more
— jffrey.surffffentine (@surffffin_jeff) January 17, 2015
@TheeCoreyH Few players frustrate me like Wes: maddeningly inconsistent while showing flashes of potential. Gotta let him go. #LNDebate
— Tomás Chavez (@trchavez41684) January 17, 2015
Wes Johnson just isn't good enough to be more than a bench player, average defender and lacks mental toughness! No deal! #LNDebate
— Kostadin GEORGIEV (@KGeorgiev90) January 17, 2015
@TheeCoreyH he's played his way to a long term deal……in China #LNDebate
— Dominic T. (@this1domguy) January 17, 2015
The Lakers Nation following was relatively split on this topic, but was still convincingly towards letting Wesley Johnson go at the end of the season. Barring a great stretch run, I agree with them.
I wouldn’t mind Johnson coming off the bench in a reserve role on a small, cheap contract. Locking him in for multiple years, however, just doesn’t seem like the right move. After this many years, it just doesn’t seem as if Johnson will ever put it all together.
He could be a decent contributor as an athletic wing man off the bench, but committing to Johnson for multiple years just isn’t the right move for the Lakers.
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