In the game against the Blazers, Lakers new signing Johnson performed well, this game he started 23 minutes, 3 of 4 shots, 3 of 3 three-pointers, 2 of 3 three-pointers to get 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, personal plus-minus as high as +25, this data is second only to Westbrook and Munch, ranking third on the team. Although he was sent off in the fourth quarter for six fouls in the game, his performance still received praise from James and Vogel.
After the game, james talked about Johnson's performance, James admitted: Johnson has brought resilience to the team's flanks, his defense is tough, and these are also the traits that have helped the Lakers become one of the best teams in the past few seasons. And Vogel, when talking about Johnson, he also said that he liked Johnson's physical confrontation in the game, he was not only fast, but also very strong. Vogel also praised Johnson's pack performance against Lillard in the game against the Blazers.
In fact, as James and Vogel said, Johnson's defense in the game is very tough, although many times, his talent is not as good as his opponents, even if he tries to limit the opponent's play, the opposing players can still complete the score. But Johnson's defensive attitude and aggressiveness in the game also impressed the team management.
After Johnson signed a short 10-day contract with the Lakers, he has been reused by the team, averaging 26.3 minutes of playing time per game in a total of 4 games, ranking at the forefront of the Lakers in rotation time. Johnson did not disappoint the team when he got enough performance opportunities, and in the total of 4 games he played, he averaged 8.3 points, 3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, shooting 52.4%, and his personal efficiency was very high. And when he was in the game, the team had a plus-minus of +1.5, and he was also one of the few players on the team to have a positive plus-minus in the last 4 games.
Johnson was selected with the 8th pick in the first round of 2015, and his talent is still very good, but unfortunately, in the first few years of entering the league, he has not been able to play well, and he has not played well in the game. At one point after the end of last season, he was without the ball. The Lakers gave him a valuable opportunity this season to return to the NBA.
When the opportunity arises, Johnson also cherishes it, and after gaining playing time, he will try to make good use of every minute, strive to help the team in the game, and show his strengths at the same time. In the last four games, Johnson's performance on the defensive end has been very impressive, especially in the absence of flanks in the team, Johnson stepped forward, and he helped the team to a large extent with his tough defense and good co-defense. Individual performances have also been recognized by the team's core and head coach.
For now, the Lakers lineup lacks players who can defend, while the wing players are older and lack energetic young players. Johnson is only 25 years old this year, at the age of achievement, and his attitude to the game is very decent and serious, full of energy in the game. And Johnson's strengths are all lacking in the Lakers. According to his current performance, if he can play steadily, then he does have a chance to stay with the Lakers for a long time, and the team is willing to give him such an opportunity.