Lakers News: 2022 LA Player Now Available On Buyout Market

Former Laker is now a free agent

The NBA Trade deadline has come and gone. We got a lot of movement this trade deadline, and your Los Angeles Lakers made many moves that helped improve their roster. 

With the trade deadline passing, front offices will focus on the buyout market. And the Lakers could be participating in the buyout market with a handful of players who could contribute to the purple and gold. 

One player recently bought out is former 2021-2022 Laker forward Stanley Johnson, who got released by the Spurs earlier today. 

The San Antonio Spurs are releasing forward Stanley Johnson, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson had a strong stint for the Spurs this season, shooting 45 percent from 3-point range, and will now look to join a postseason contender.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 12, 2023

Stanley has been solid for the Spurs in a limited role averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 30 games. Johnson also shoots 53.3% from the field and 45% from behind the arc. 

The 26-year-old has been a journeyman in the NBA after being drafted eighth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2015 draft out of Arizona. 

The LA native could be brought back to Los Angeles, as the Lakers have one more roster spot to fill if they choose to do so. 

The eight-year veteran was a part-time starter with the Lakers last season. Johnson displayed tremendous energy and defensive prowess for the underachieving Lakers a season ago. 

Johnson spent 48 games with LA, starting in 27 games, and averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists with the Lake show. 

In August 2022, Stanley was traded to Utah along with Talen Horton-Tucker in exchange for Patrick Beverly. 

You could never go wrong with another wing defender, and with one roster spot open, Johnson would be an excellent option.