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Scott Polacek is the featured Columnist for the Los Angeles Lakers.
AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu
The Los Angeles Lakers have a player named Stanley Johnson.
The 25-year-old will likely sign a 10-day contract with the Purple and Gold. Johnson was on the team for 10 days and played in the win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The University of Arizona product has appeared in five games for the Lakers this season and is averaging 6.8 points, 2.8 rebound and 1.4 assists a night while shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 28.0 percent from deep.
Johnson's defense and ability to guard multiple positions has helped the team go 3-2 when he is on the floor, even though his career three-point shooting percentage is 29.7%.
Johnson was seen as a potential building block for the Pistons.
He never lived up to the expectations that come with being a top 10 pick. He has never averaged more than 8.7 points per game in his career.
Johnson played for the Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Lakers.
Injuries, COVID-related absences and inconsistent play have forced L.A. to look elsewhere, even though he wasn't in the team's plans to start the season. The Lakers are currently in the 7th position of the Western Conference.
If they don't turn things around, a second straight trip to the play-in tournament could be in the cards.
