On January 6, Beijing time, due to the expiration of the difficult contract, Stanley Johnson failed to participate in the Lakers' game with the Kings, but Lakers fans do not need to be anxious, because according to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin, the Lakers will renew a 10-day short contract with Stanley Johnson on Thursday local time.
Johnson previously played five games for the Lakers and averaged 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Although the data is not particularly eye-catching, Stanley Johnson happens to be the most needed forward player for the Lakers, and the characteristics of strong athleticism and excellent defense are also in line with the needs of the Lakers.
Because of this, many fans have wondered why the Lakers did not renew Johnson's contract immediately after his contract expired. But in fact, this is because the Lakers currently have no players infected with the new crown, so they can no longer use difficult exceptions, and the normal 10-day short contract needs to be signed on Thursday local time, so the Lakers are actually the first time to renew Johnson's contract, and they do not intend to delay or dislike him.
Of course, there may be people wondering why Johnson is so easy to use, the Lakers do not directly renew his contract until the end of the season, but still have to issue another 10-day short contract? Some people think it was Pelinka trying to save money. But this is not the case, and the reason why Pelinka is doing this is probably to prepare for the next potential transaction.
There has been news that the Lakers may pack up Horton Tucker and Nunn away, but if it is traded, it is likely not to be 1 for 1, but perhaps 1 for 2 or 2 for 3. Horton Tucker will not be traded until after January 15th, and if Johnson is turned right now, then the Lakers' quota is full, which will affect the operational flexibility of subsequent transactions.
If Johnson is temporarily allowed to sign a 10-day short contract, then the Lakers will be equivalent to temporarily emptying 1 place, which will be more convenient for trading operations. And the 10-day short contract can be signed up to 2 times, so if Johnson's 10-day short contract ends and the Lakers do not negotiate a deal, then there is a high probability that Pelinka will renew a 10-day short contract with him, and then sign directly until the end of the season. From an operational point of view, this will be the most favorable operation for the Lakers, so There is no problem with Pelinka's choice.