As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to make efforts to revamp their offense and improve their bench, they seem to continue to have success at attracting free agents to L.A. for one-year veteran minimum deals.
With the departures of Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, Antawn Jamison, and Earl Clark, the Lakers have stayed true to conserving their money and are trying to build the necessary cap space to go after players in the coveted 2014 free agency class.
The Lakers recently made the acquisition of Wesley Johnson and Nick Young official as they look forward to the future.
Johnson was drafted fourth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but hasn't quite lived up to his potential. However, he remains to have good length and the potential to be a strong perimeter defender.
Johnson has career averages of 7.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, while shooting 40-percent from the field and 33-percent from beyond the three-point line.
Johnson last played for the Phoenix Suns and has been bouncing around the league ever since he was drafted. He'll be a nice addition to the Lakers as he'll bring fresh legs to an offense that is orchestrated by fairly old players.
According to Lakers.com, GM Mitch Kupchak had the following to say about Johnson:
"Wesley is a young, athletic player who runs the floor well and is an excellent defender," said Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak.
"He's a developing player who we think could become a good NBA player for years to come. He's also a great kid and we're happy to add him to our team."
Johnson will make $916,099 for the coming season.
Though Johnson is inked in for one-year, according to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, Young inked a deal to be with the purple and gold for far longer:
"The guard/forward's contract, signed Thursday, is a two-year, $2.3-million deal at the veteran's minimum with a player option in the second season.
Initially reported as a one-year deal, Young will earn $1,106,942 for the 2013/14 season and $1,227,985 if he decides to stay a second."
He spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 10.6 points and 23.9 minutes a game.
"It's great for Nick and great for the Lakers," said Young's agent, Mark Bartelstein. "He could've waited and got more money in the free-agent market but his dream has always been to play for the Lakers."
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