Los Angeles Lakers Re-Sign Forward on NBA’s Hardship Exception

The Los Angeles Lakers have been enduring a torrid time this season. Their offseason signing hasn’t exactly gone according to plan and they are currently in the play-in position.

Injuries to key players like Anthony Davis haven’t helped their cause. LeBron James and Co will look to get their act together in the second half of the season. And for that to happen, they’ve already started making some moves.

Stanley Johnson was recently signed on a 10-day contract on the NBA’s Hardship Exception to counteract their loss of key players. The 25-YO has looked solid, providing them with defense and much-needed perimeter shooting.

He was again signed on his third 10-day contract on Jan 17th as the Lakers were impressed by his two stints. Johnson will look to cash in on this and ensure a permanent roster spot on the Lakers.

Stanley Johnson and his successful stints at the Los Angeles Lakers

Johnson has become an important part of the Lakers squad in recent weeks. Interestingly, he was playing in the G league barely a month ago. His arrival has allowed the Lakers to go micro ball with LeBron at the center with Davis being out due to injury.

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He provides them a burst of energy whenever he’s on the floor and generally guards the opposing team’s best players. Johnson is a young and athletic wing, something which the Lakers are clearly lacking. He had a chance to step in and contribute and to Johnson’s credit; he did exactly that.

In his first game against the Nets, he came onto the floor and provided constant energy, especially on the defensive end. His defense on James Harden earned him praise from his teammates, including LeBron James. The #14 power forward was quick all night, trying to get over screens and contain Harden as much as possible. Johnson has also provided the Lakers with spacing whenever they go small.

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With Johnson’s contract expiring after the Nuggets game, the Lakers were quick to bring him back for the third time. They would want to decide on either sign him for the rest of the season or let him go. Johnson will believe that he has shown them enough in order to sign with them permanently.