Mitch Kupchak Believes Wes Johnson Could Be Ariza, Cooper Type

Wesley-Johnson-Los-Angeles-Lakers-Mike-DAntoni-While Mitch Kupchak is at the Las Vegas Summer League, Lakers spokesperson John Black shared with the media a private conversation he had with Kupchak after signing Wesley Johnson at his introductory press conference.

—-Want to show off your Kobe love? Check out this VINO t-shirt!—-

Although Johnson hasn’t quite lived up to expectations as the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Kupchak is optimistic that he can develop into a Michael Cooper or Trevor Ariza type player:

“He thinks Wesley can develop into a Michael Cooper or Trevor Ariza type player. Mitch will probably be mad at me for sharing that with you guys publicly. But I think all Laker fans would be very happy if something like that were to happen, as would we.”

It’s likely a stretch, but Johnson seems at peace with himself and is committed to playing his best in the bright lights of Los Angeles. He no longer thinks about trying to live up to those expectations coming out of Syracuse and is finally free to play his game with the help of Kobe, Gasol, and Nash.

This will be the first time in Johnson’s career where he will play with a veteran team that allows him to play to his strengths. While he may never develop into Cooper or Ariza, any resemblance of those players will help the Lakers as they are desperately looking for a lock-down perimeter defender.

Johnson struggled early but came on strong near the end of last season. In the last two months of last season, Johnson averaged 13.0 points in 28.8 minutes.

—————————————————————————————————————–

Did you see Wes Johnson’s press conference? If not, check out our video below and don’t forget to click here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

 

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Darvin Ham Commends D’Angelo Russell For Staying Professional Despite Trade Rumors

With the trade deadline steadily approaching on Feb. 8, the Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in plenty of rumors…

Lakers Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Agrees To One-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to fill their roster with shooters, defenders, and crafty veterans…

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Releasing Budget-Friendly Rigorer AR Battle 2 ‘Think Pink’

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has had great success building his role on the court in the early stages of his career…

Pulse of the Fan: An Open Letter to Lakers’ Executive Jim Buss

Dear Mr. Buss, Being a Lakers fan is extremely hard. Why you…