The Los Angeles Lakers have positioned themselves well heading into the All-Star break.
With a 32-20 record, they currently hold the fifth seed and are just three games behind the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. The return of Luka Doncic strengthens their chances of making a strong push in the final stretch of the season.
One of the biggest concerns for the Lakers is their frontcourt depth.
Following the failed trade for Mark Williams, their only true centers are Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len.
As a result, head coach JJ Redick has been experimenting with various small-ball lineups, often deploying Dorian Finney-Smith or Jarred Vanderbilt as the team’s makeshift center.Many fans anticipate that the Lakers will explore options to strengthen their frontcourt. One former Laker wasted no time in making his case.
On Friday, Stanley Johnson addressed the media, expressing his belief that he could step in and effectively fill the team’s small-ball center role.Currently playing for the South Bay Lakers, Stanley Johnson began the 2024-25 season with EuroLeague team Anadolu Efes.
However, after struggling during his time overseas, the 28 year old returned to the G League earlier this.
Former Lakers Starter Pushes for Return Amid Frontcourt Struggles
By Cem Yolbulan | Feb 15, 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers head into the All-Star break in a strong position, sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a 32-20 record. They are just three games behind the No. 2 seed, the Memphis Grizzlies, and with Luka Doncic back in the lineup, they have a prime opportunity to make a late-season push.
However, one of the biggest concerns for the Lakers is their frontcourt depth. After the voided trade for Mark Williams, the team is left with only Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len as true centers.
As a result, head coach JJ Redick has been experimenting with various small-ball lineups, using Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt as makeshift centers.
Given this situation, many fans expect the Lakers to explore additional frontcourt options. One former Laker, Stanley Johnson, quickly made his case for a return. Speaking to the media on Friday, Johnson expressed confidence in his ability to fill the small-ball center role the Lakers are searching for.
Johnson is currently playing for the South Bay Lakers after beginning the 2024-25 season with EuroLeague club Anadolu Efes. The 28 year old struggled during his stint in Europe and returned to the G League earlier this week.
Originally drafted eighth overall, Johnson’s NBA career hasn’t panned out as many expected. He had a brief run with the Lakers during the 2021-22 season, appearing in 48 games and starting 27.
That year, the Lakers finished 11th in the West with a 33-49 record. While Johnson was solid defensively, his offensive limitations and lack of shooting led to his departure in the offseason.
Although Johnson is known for his defensive versatility, his effectiveness as a small-ball center remains questionable. The Lakers are in need of more size and length at the position and already have better small-ball options in Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Vanderbilt.
