Wesley Johnson - Taking his "Talents" Across the Hall, Min. Deal w/Clipps

I mean, cmon. last game against Utah where we didn't have any scorer next to Kobe. this was the one i wanted to see him bringing more energy and showing he got some talent.
But nothing.
He looks even worse than lasy year. and he's so apathetic. but not in the Kwahi Lenard cool type of way.

 

I know what you guys mean. From last year and even within these preseason games, one never really feels his impact on the games. It feels like he's just going through the motions or something. His body type lends him the potential to be a great defender but he hasn't reached that point yet nor does it feel like he's getting close to being a top defender in this league.

 

just the thought of Wesley being in the starting lineup depresses me...i dont remember the last time i've seen that guy hit back to back buckets

 

My first reaction was get us back to full strength including our true point guards. I said that a lot last year though. I do not think he got worse, but I do not think he got better. Kobe looked at Wes and had the confidence to think this was his next Ariza. The truth is I feel Wesley will struggle on a struggling team like us who will be fighting ( and often losing) for a low playoff seed. Kobe is an alpha dog, I think Wesley may be an omega dog unfortunately who is dragged along by a dominant pack. I would love him to make me eat my words though.

 

He's just garbage ... got the physical tools but will never figure it out ... bad fundamentals on both ends , low B-ball IQ ...

 

.... at "omega dog"

 

It's a little early to tell but he did look bad last night. He's a player that needs to be carried and put in a good situation to thrive. Let's say if he was on the Kobe-Shaq teams he could probably be a decent contributor because he would be put in a position where he wasn't being pressured to deliver. On this team though, the expectations are a little high because 1) We don't have a great team to begin with and 2) He's the really only true player of his position. As it stands all I really want is for him to be a good defender and not turn the ball over. Offensively I'll take what I can get (which not saying much).

 

I just don't see it with him. Never have. Whereas Ariza had showed flashes, I can't recall ever seeing Wesley do anything that made me think he could be the answer at the 3 spot. He is terrible on offense and his defense is pretty overrated. He has had more than enough chances.

 

you know the guy is bad when he makes us wish Ryan Kelly and Henry would get back already

 

Absolutely. I would take either of those guys in a heartbeat.

 

He's seemingly not allowed to shoot 3 pointers, the offense doesn't cater to setting anyone up for a 3 pointer and he needs that spacing for his game to work at all.

It's a waste. He can be efficient and help us. But we aren't putting him in the position and spots he needs. The offense is stagnant, he isn't slashing and moving around and mostly everyone is just standing and watching.

We should be running him in a ton of pick and roll and pick and fade and pick and pop situations. He can get a wide open 3 ever time if he is the man setting the screen.

But nope. We play rough tough basketball and don't shoot 3s.

 

That really does sum it up.

 

He simply doesn't care. He will make a bad play and just laugh about it. He has no feel for the game, no bbal iq. He's just an athlete playing bball. His bad plays outnumber his good plays. So his impact for our team is negative, not positive. I don't think it's in him to put it together, take it seriously and start playing up to his potential. And that's sad cause that guy is blessed physically. Most guys would kill to have his body, length and athleticism.

 

Poor Wes. As much as I root and want for him to succeed with the Lakers, I'm just not seeing it. I can't note of any improvements from last season despite him training with Kobe all summer long. Kobe's stated that he's best playing defense and in off-the-ball situations w/ the staters but we have yet to see that with the team still learning the offense. Hope he's just in cruise control for preseason and will actually turn it up when the games matter.

 

honestly, contrary from what others said, i didnt see much improvement from his rookie year.

if he just slashes and cuts......

 

Wes is who he always has been his entire career. I was rooting for him this year to have a breakout season; it could still happen but the chances are remote.