VIDEO: Wes Johnson Discusses Lakers Inability To Close Games

The Los Angeles Lakers lost 100-93 to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, despite head coach Byron Scott instituting another new starting line-up. Tarik Black and Wesley Johnson joined Jordan Hill, Wayne Ellington and Jordan Clarkson, for the Lakers 11th starting lineup this season.

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Wesley Johnson scored 15 points on 6-9 shooting with four rebounds in his return as a starter, but said whether he’s starting or coming off the bench does not change his mindset.

I approach it the same as if I was coming off the bench or starting, it’s really just having to stay focused when my number is called,” Johnson said after the game.

On the Lakers inability to close games, Johnson said the Lakers need to slow down and take quality shots. In our video above, Johnson explains that the Lakers are shooting deep into the shot clock and forcing shots up, rather than staying poised and getting defensive stops. Plus, Johnson agrees with Jeremy Lin’s assessment that Lakers are playing to protect leads, rather than extending them.

The Lakers practice on Monday before taking on the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on Tuesday.

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Jeremy Lin On #1 Thing Lakers Need To Focus On

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