Los Angeles Lakers expect big things from Wesley Johnson

Coming into the season the Los Angeles Lakers likely didn’t have big plans for forward Wesley Johnson outside of being one of the few defensive stoppers.

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However after Nick Young went down with a thumb injury that is expected to sideline him into December and possibly January, it was Wesley Johnson’s number who was called as he’s expected to see more playing time in the wake of Young’s injury.

More than that, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott says he expects big things from Wesley Johnson this season.

“I expect a lot from Wesley Johnson,” Scott said. “He’s been looking great in training camp, running up and down the floor, defending. That’s something I think he can be one of the best in the league at doing.”

As for Johnson himself, he knows the Lakers will be counting on him to step up and appears ready for the challenge.

“I know what to expect. I know what I’m coming into,” Johnson said. “I know I’m going to play the wing now. That’s’ what I’m going to do on the offensive and defensive end. I’m ready for it.”

It’s a nice thought and while Johnson has morphed into a solid role player, he’s never been able to show any consistency when given a bigger opportunity.

If there is a silver lining for the Los Angeles Lakers it’s that Johnson is a far better defender than Nick Young, so while the team will take a hit on the offensive side of the ball they’ll be better defensively while Wesley Johnson handles the extra minutes.

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