Former Lakers Player Appeals for Return to LA Amid Frontcourt Issues
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the All-Star break in a strong position. They sit in fifth place with a 32-20 record, just three games behind the second-place Memphis Grizzlies. With Luka Doncic back, they are well-positioned for a strong finish to the season.
The main concern for the Lakers is their frontcourt rotation. After the failed trade for Mark Williams, the Lakers are left with only Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len as centers. As a result, head coach JJ Redick has experimented with several small-ball lineups, including Dorian Finney-Smith or Jarred Vanderbilt at center.
It is expected that the Lakers will be looking for more frontcourt help. One former Laker took the chance to put himself forward. Stanley Johnson spoke to the media on Friday, offering his services for the small-ball center role the Lakers need.
Johnson is currently with the South Bay Lakers after spending the first part of the 2024-25 season with Euroleague team Anadolu Efes. The 28-year-old struggled during his Euroleague tenure and returned to the G League earlier this week.
The former eighth overall pick hasn’t had the career many anticipated when he left Arizona. After several moves around the league, he joined the Lakers in the 2021-22 season. He played 48 games, starting 27, as the Lakers ended up 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record. Johnson was solid defensively, but his lack of shooting and offensive production led to his departure in the offseason.
While Johnson is known for his defense, his value as a small-ball center for the Lakers is uncertain. The Lakers need more size and already have more capable small-ball options in Finney-Smith, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt.
To add any new players to the roster, the Lakers will need to cut someone. Cam Reddish is the most likely candidate, but it remains unclear if GM Rob Pelinka will make that move.