EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Stanley Johnson has another standout performance for the South Bay despite their loss to the Austin Spurs, 108-88.
After a 26-point debut for the South Bay Lakers, the question was how can Stanley Johnson replicate it. Not only did Johnson match it, but he surpassed his debut showing in the back to back against Austin.
In his debut, Johnson scored 26 points on 10/22 field goals. He also collected four rebounds and three assists.
However, Johnson scored 26 points off of 10/20 field goals in the second game. Johnson also tallied eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Between the two games, Johnson was not only more efficient in scoring, but he was more active in the Lakers system.
The Lakers' system revolves around offball screens and movement towards the basket. Which will make Johnson dangerous for the Lakers with or without the ball.
“In my career, when I've shot it bad or not being efficient offensively, its more just being stuck in a corner and just as a slasher that can shoot,” Stanley Johnson said. “You just need to be able to get to the rim sometimes and score some points that way.”
While Johnson believes that the free flowing nature of the Lakers offense has been a strong fit, it has only been two games. The more time he gets with the team, the better he will be for the system.
“I have the ball in my hands a lot here, but I think I've made a career of not having the balls in my hands as well,” said Stanley Johnson. “I just love basketball and I take pride in being a very versatile player, however it comes to me I'm gonna go get it.”
While the Lakers have a good system in place, they are hoping that Johnson is the extra spark that is needed in resulting in wins.
So far this season, the South Bay Lakers have not had much to look forward to. The Lakers rank second to last in the Western standings and are far away from a playoff spot.
However, Stanley Johnson, who is a former NBA lottery pick, is succeeding with the team. If Johnson can keep replicating his first two games, then the South Bay Lakers may save their season.