The Lakers and forward Stanley Johnson have agreed to a two-year contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The second-year of the deal will consist of a team option, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. So basically, he has guaranteed himself a spot on the Lakers for the rest of the season, and perhaps beyond.
Johnson, 25, is 6-foot-6 and has been playing on 10-day hardship deals, with the latest set to expire Wednesday. He is expected to sign the two-year contract on Thursday, Wojnarowski reported.
In 14 games with the Lakers, Johnson is averaging 6.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists, proving to be one of the team’s top defenders along the way.
Forward Stanley Johnson has agreed to a new two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson’s final 10-day contract expires Wednesday, but his contagious defense, energy and play earn him a guaranteed rest of the year.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 26, 2022
Johnson also signed a 10-day hardship deal with the Bulls on Dec. 8, but entered COVID protocols before appearing in a game.
He appeared in 61 games with the Raptors last season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds. He had been playing in the G League with the South Bay Lakers earlier this year after signing with the club Nov. 15.
He was originally drafted by the Pistons with the No. 8 overall pick in 2015, and has also played for the Pelicans.
The Lakers (24-24) currently sit in eight place in the Western Conference. Our Alejandro Avila recapped their road win over the Nets right here.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
