The Lakers, Cavaliers, and Knicks have officially announced that they have completed a three-way deal. The Lakers sent Rondo away and eventually only got louis Rabel's signing rights. Obviously, the Lakers are definitely not going to sign Louis Rabel. The deal not only allowed the Lakers to save on wages and luxury taxes, but also freed up a spot on the Lakers' big roster.
So who will this place eventually go to? Most fans thought it would be Stanley Johnson. Stanley Johnson previously signed a ten-day contract with the Lakers. During those ten days, Stanley Johnson played five games for the Lakers, three of which started. Stanley Johnson averaged 25.2 minutes per game and finished with 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals.
While Stanley Johnson didn't do particularly well on the offensive end, shooting just 45.8 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. But Stanley Johnson's defense has earned him the trust of head coach Vogel. Team boss James has also made public statements many times, praising Stanley Johnson's defense.
Vogel has previously publicly stated that he likes Stanley Johnson's physical confrontational abilities. After Stanley Johnson and the Lakers' ten-day contract expired, Vogel spoke for Stanley Johnson, saying that he hoped Stanley Johnson could stay and said that Stanley Johnson had the potential to become a key member of the team.
The core of the team, James, has made no secret of his love for Stanley Johnson. He has repeatedly stated in interviews that he likes Stanley Johnson's defense and believes that Stanley Johnson's efforts should win him a seat with the Lakers. It can be said that James's attitude should have a great impetus for the Lakers to keep Stanley Johnson.
According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, both Stanley Johnson and the Lakers are interested in getting him back to the team.
But Vogel said in an interview that he didn't know what the Lakers would do next. Vogel said: "As for the next operation, we still don't know. Rob (Pelinka) and Cote (Rambis) will make decisions in the coming days based on who they see fit, and everything will unfold in the coming days. We still want to have Stanley (Johnson) in more games. In the next few days, all the answers will be revealed. ”
The Lakers' management has had a lot of obsessive operations this season. For example, don't let DeRozan ask Wei Shao, let go of Karusolyutak. Hopefully this time they won't let Stanley Johnson go again! If nothing else, the quota vacated by the Lakers trade for Rondo should go to Stanley Johnson!