As one of the many new faces in Los Angeles this season, Wesley Johnson was a former lottery pick that never seemed to reach his potential on the NBA level and was looking to make an impression with the Lakers.
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Unfortunately, despite some flashes of promise, Johnson never really made that impression and as a result may not be re-signed in the off-season according to Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News:
But after Johnson had three uneventful seasons in Minnesota and Phoenix after being selected fourth overall in the 2010 NBA draft, the Lakers feel lukewarm about his development. While starting for the past four games because of Kent Bazemore’s season-ending right foot injury, Johnson shot only 16 of 37 from the field. Johnson, who made around $1 million this season, has said he wants to re-sign this offseason with the Lakers. But they don’t consider his return a top priority.
Heading into the off-season, the Lakers brass will have a lot of tough decisions to make in terms of which players should be re-signed. Along with Johnson, the Lakers will have to decide whether to re-sign Jodie Meeks, Jordan Hill, Xavier Henry, Chris Kaman and Pau Gasol.
Meeks, Henry and Johnson have all expressed interest to return while the rest of the players mentioned will likely test the free agent market. Gasol also hasn’t ruled out a return to the Lakers, but will be gauging interest around the league.
Nick Young is also a big question mark with the veteran set to opt-out of his deal with the team. Young wants to come back next season, but will receive lucrative offers elsewhere that the Lakers will have to compete with if they want to retain him.
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