What Darren Collison and Stanley Johnson Bring to the Lakers
After the Lakers’ undeniably pathetic loss to the Spurs (that might be an article for another day), fans woke up to an unexpected Woj Bomb just in time for Christmas:
Here’s what both new additions bring to the purple and gold.
Darren Collison
Collison, who last played for the Pacers in 2019, will be the Lakers’ FOURTH rostered point guard (fifth if you count LeBron). Fans were clamoring for him two years ago when LA was short on facilitators, but now he comes in when they have too many. Nonetheless, Collison’s skills come at a good time for the shorthanded LakeShow. Aside from being a good scorer, he is a great playmaker (5 APG) with a fantastic touch from beyond the arc (shot 39% from three for his career and 47% back in 2017). On the flip side, he’s also a solid defender (1.2 SPG). It will be exciting to see how he helps the Lakers and if he can stick around.
Stanley Johnson
Finally, after grueling days and nights of Lakers Twitter begging and pleading, Rob Pelinka has signed a forward. Stanley Johnson, an eight-year NBA veteran, now joins his fourth team and looks to contribute to their wing depth. Though not an outstanding shooter, with career averages of 37.5% from the field and nearly 30% from three, Johnson is a physical player at 6’6” and 242 pounds. He’s also a relatively decent defender, racking up 0.9 steals per game throughout his career. For a Lakers team with THT, LeBron, and Wayne Ellington as their wings, Johnson brings a much-needed combo forward presence.
All in all, Collison and Johnson add to the Lakers’ bench depth and should see many opportunities over their ten days wearing purple and gold.
