Lakers small forward Wesley Johnson was a hot topic of conversation both before and after the Lakers overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night. Before the game, Lakers head coach Byron Scott expressed confidence that Johnson would be a completely different player this year than he was last year, but he also felt Johnson was still lacking his own inner confidence.
Johnson played 40 minutes in the Lakers loss, scoring 15 points and snatching eight rebounds but he also committed eight of the Lakers 19 turnovers. Johnson also missed two crucial free throws in the final seconds that would have given the Lakers the win.
All I’m thinking about is the free throws. The free throws are still on my mind,” Johnson said after the game.
Johnson also discusses what contributed to his eight turnovers and at times, struggling with his confidence.
Kobe Bryant also explains why he thought Johnson missing those two free throws was actually good for his development. Bryant explains how there’s situations where Johnson can be “his own worst enemy.”
The Lakers return to the court Wednesday to face the Portland Trailblazers in their second to last preseason game.
[divide]Kobe Bryant Comments On ESPN Article