Joseph Blair and Stanley Johnson make NBA headlines on MLK Day

Former Wildcat Stanley Johnson also made a splash in the NBA on Monday evening.

The Stanimal was not re-signed by the Toronto Raptors this year, which was surprising since he showed potential, scoring a career-high 35 points in a loss to the Chicago Bulls (102–114) in May 2021. Ironically enough, Johnson was able to sign with the Bulls for four games before he was waived.

The Lakers roster is full of NBA All-Stars. With names like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, and Carmelo Anthony, Stanley got his chance as Covid, and injuries hit the Lakers, and the South Bay Lakers started losing players to call-ups. That’s when SB Lakers Head Coach Miles Simon signed Stanley Johnson in November 2021.

In the six games Johnson played for South Bay, he averaged 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 2.2 assists per game. That’s when the Chicago Bulls came calling again and signed Johnson to a 10-day contract.

Johnson was set to wear a No. 14 jersey, but he instead had been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols and never played a game for the Bulls. That would be a defeating position to be in, but the best was yet to come.

Just days before Christmas, Johnson got perhaps the greatest great present of all. Being signed by his hometown team the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson signed a 10-day contract and got the start with the team on Christmas Eve.

In his first game with the Lakers, he impressed the fans with his defense and also was a great fit with the team. When that contract was up, Johnson signed a second 10-day contract.

Well, on Monday, Johnson signed a third 10-day contract, and it was for good reason too as the Lakers needed him as they were about to play the Utah Jazz, the No. 4 team in the West.

As usual, the Lakers were ahead but then fell behind. Luckily, they had Johnson on their bench, and Head Coach Frank Vogel who was rumored to be on the hot seat put in Stanley in the fourth quarter. And boy, he wasn’t sorry. Johnson scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and landed the post-game interview.

“I just wanted to bring some energy to the game… it’s nothing but energy and that’s what I continue to bring to be successful,” said Johnson, “Trying to do my best — do what I can do — I was cut by the Chicago bulls – I am playing for the hometown team — I’m just happy to be here.” Johnson said it was easy to play with LeBron and Russell Westbrook. LeBron was double-teamed and he was open.

We couldn’t be happier for the Stanimal.

Why would the Lakers not sign him for the season? According to Capologist Eric Pincus, it’s not necessarily good for Johnson, as they could only sign him for the rest of the season. The Lakers want to stay flexible for the trade deadline.

“If the Lakers want to sign Stanley Johnson immediately, it can only be for the rest of the season (or longer). This is an often asked misconception. Roster spots are extremely valuable going into the Feb 10 trade deadline. LAL just opened a spot via trade – waiting 2 days to keep Stanley Johnson (assuming) flexible on a pair of 10-days could make necessary room for a trade,” Tweeted Pincus.

We asked Pincus for an update now that Johnson is on his third 10-day and the fans and team love the Wildcat. “Eric, question, now that Stanley is on his third 10-day, and that would take him to Jan 27th, is there a chance for a fourth 10-day now that the NBA extended the hardship extension? And then they could sign him long term after Feb 10th if they decide to keep him?”

“No, unless the Lakers need another hardship. Presently, that’s not the case. If I’m in charge, I sign Stanley for the rest of the season because I don’t think the slight benefit of a roster spot outweighs the 8-ish games they’d need to play without him before the trade deadline,” responded Pincus in less than 60 seconds and we thank him profusely.

We are thinking after Monday night’s performance, the Lakers would be foolish to not sign Johnson. Of course, they could assign him to the South Bay Lakers until after the trade deadline, but that would just be silly because he is bringing the energy and defense the Lakers need right now!