Following a rather successful campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers this past season, former Wildcat Stanley Johnson will return in 2022-23.
The journey continues for Stanley Johnson in the NBA, as the former Wildcat will return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23 after signing a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers just months ago.
Granted, nothing was guaranteed as the contract ran through the rest of the 2021-22 season, and it gave the Lakers the option to pick up the final year of his contract for 2022-23.
Well, making news just days ago, it was announced by the team that Stanley’s contract was indeed picked up, which means he is staying put… at least for the time being.
OFFICIAL: The Lakers have exercised team options on Wenyen Gabriel and Stanley Johnson pic.twitter.com/HTzke670MF
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 29, 2022
Stanley Johnson’s return gives the Los Angeles Lakers stability for the 2022-23 season.
Since being drafted into the NBA in 2015, Stanley has been looking for a long-term home, especially since he has not quite lived up to the hype of being a former Top 10 draft pick.
Making stops in Detroit, Toronto, and Chicago (on a 10-Day Contract), Stanley, unfortunately, has not found that permanent home, but perhaps he has finally found one with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.
As you may recall, Stanley first signed a 10-day contract just before the team’s Christmas Day game against the Brooklyn Nets last season. And in that game, Stanley was impressive, finishing his day with 7 points and 1 rebound on 2/4 shooting in 27 minutes played.
Stanley then benefitted from the Lakers being impacted by COVID and injuries, so much, that he signed multiple other 10-day contracts before signing his two-year deal with the team.
In his 48 games played this past season, Stanley started in 27 of them, finishing his year by averaging 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
With the team likely being healthier next season, there is an opportunity for Stanley to have a major role as a key contributor off the bench.
Either way, we are just excited to see our former Wildcat get a chance at the NBA, and we are hopeful he continues to make the most out of this opportunity!