With the Los Angeles Clippers losing Game 7 to the Houston Rockets Sunday, they now enter the off-season trying to find ways to tweak their roster and get over their playoff hump. One of their weaknesses for the past couple seasons has been their small forwards as the team look to find ways to improve their depth.
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While the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers too will stay local in addressing their needs. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Clippers could offer Lakers small forward Wesley Johnson a contract over the summer:
The Clippers have interest in Lakers swingman Wes Johnson, according to sources. They also have last year’s first-round pick — small forward C.J. Wilcox — on their bench. Not exactly needle-moving moves.
Johnson has spent the past two seasons with the Lakers while starting in 121 games. He has the athletic tools to be a good player in the league, but has yet to put together a consistent effort during his time with the team.
He has mentioned his desire to remain with the Lakers in the past and would want a multi-year deal wherever he goes. His last two contracts have been of the one-year variety, so some financial security would be welcomed by the former fourth overall draft pick.
Just like the Clippers, the Lakers have to fix their small forward situation. Luckily for the Lakers, they own a protected top-five pick as well as the 27th and 34th selections in the upcoming draft. The team could draft someone out of college or could look at free agency with their ample cap space.
In 76 games for the Lakers this past season, Johnson averaged 9.9 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing 29.5 minutes per game.
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