The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly set for a draft workout with UConn center Samson Johnson, continuing their trend of scouting late-round and undrafted talent with great success in recent years.
In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers have become a shining example of how smart drafting and scouting can make a significant difference in a team’s overall success. While the Lakers have been known for acquiring superstar talent via trades and free agency, their more recent success has come from their ability to find hidden gems in the latter stages of the draft, as well as undrafted players. Players like Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and Wenyen Gabriel have been a testament to the Lakers’ excellent eye for talent in places where others may have looked past.
One player the Lakers are reportedly taking a serious look at is Samson Johnson, a center from the University of Connecticut (UConn). According to rumors, the Lakers are scheduled to host a draft workout for Johnson, and this could be a significant moment in their ongoing quest to improve their roster, especially as they prepare for the 2025 season.
In this article, we will dive into why Samson Johnson might be an appealing prospect for the Lakers, what he can bring to the table, and how the Lakers’ history of draft successes plays into this decision. We’ll also examine the broader implications of the Lakers’ interest in Johnson, and how this fits into their long-term plans for building a competitive team.
A Closer Look at Samson Johnson
Before we explore why the Lakers might be interested in Samson Johnson, it’s important to understand what makes the 6-foot-9 center such an intriguing prospect. Johnson, a native of New York City, played for the UConn Huskies, a program with a rich history of producing NBA-caliber talent. His time at UConn was marked by steady development, defensive prowess, and impressive physical attributes that make him an exciting player to watch.
Strengths of Samson Johnson
- Defensive Versatility:
One of Johnson’s most appealing qualities is his defense. As a center, he is capable of guarding multiple positions due to his agility and lateral quickness. His ability to guard pick-and-roll situations, switch onto smaller players, and contest shots at the rim makes him an intriguing defensive prospect. In today’s NBA, where teams are increasingly focused on versatility, Johnson’s defensive skill set could be a key asset. - Athleticism:
Johnson boasts an impressive athletic profile for a center. He is quick off the ground, has solid leaping ability, and shows a lot of energy when defending and rebounding. His athleticism also helps him on the offensive end, where he can run the floor and be an asset in transition. In an up-tempo game like the one the Lakers often play, having a big man who can keep pace is important. - Rebounding:
Rebounding is an area where Johnson excels. Throughout his college career, he showcased his ability to clean the glass, both offensively and defensively. The Lakers, even with their star players, have occasionally struggled with consistency on the boards, especially during stretches of the regular season. Johnson’s tenacity as a rebounder would address some of those concerns, providing a solid presence down low to help secure second-chance opportunities. - Room for Offensive Growth:
While Johnson’s offensive game is still a work in progress, his potential is clear. He has shown flashes of developing a decent mid-range game and is a capable finisher around the basket. His shooting mechanics are not yet fully polished, but the potential for him to evolve into a two-way player is there. If the Lakers can harness his raw offensive ability and help him develop a reliable shooting stroke, he could become an extremely valuable piece in the long run.
Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
- Offensive Consistency:
While Johnson has plenty of potential on the offensive end, his consistency remains a concern. His scoring ability is still raw, and he often struggles to create his own shot. His offensive game could be limited in the NBA unless he continues to develop his skills and improve his confidence. However, with the right development and mentoring from a team like the Lakers, there is plenty of room for improvement. - Foul Trouble:
Like many young big men, Johnson has had issues with foul trouble during his time at UConn. His aggressive style of play, while beneficial defensively, sometimes leads him to commit silly fouls, which limits his time on the court. If he’s going to have an impact at the next level, Johnson will need to rein in his defensive instincts without compromising his effectiveness. - Shot Blocking:
While Johnson is a solid defender, his shot-blocking numbers have been somewhat inconsistent. His ability to contest shots at the rim is undeniable, but he doesn’t always produce the kind of shot-blocking impact that would make him a premier rim protector in the NBA. If Johnson can elevate this aspect of his game, he could become an elite defender in the league.
Why the Lakers Are Interested in Samson Johnson
Filling a Need in the Frontcourt
The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team built on a combination of strong defense, high basketball IQ, and star power. However, their frontcourt depth has been a concern at times, particularly when injuries have impacted their primary big men like Anthony Davis and Jared Vanderbilt. Adding a player like Samson Johnson could give them the additional depth they need to contend with the top teams in the West.
While Davis is a top-tier defender and offensive threat, the Lakers could use more size and athleticism in the frontcourt to provide support on both ends of the floor. With Deandre Jordan no longer on the team, the Lakers lack an interior presence behind Davis who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Samson Johnson would fit that mold, providing additional depth in the paint, while also offering a potential long-term option for the team.
The Lakers’ Draft Strategy
Over the past few seasons, the Lakers have done an excellent job of identifying value in the draft, particularly in the later rounds. Their ability to spot undrafted or lesser-known players who can make an immediate impact has paid dividends. Austin Reaves, for example, has been one of the Lakers’ best success stories as an undrafted player who has turned into a key contributor. Max Christie, their second-round pick, also has significant upside.
The Lakers have been increasingly adept at finding players who fit their system — young players with a high basketball IQ, work ethic, and ability to contribute in a variety of roles. By hosting a workout for Samson Johnson, the Lakers are continuing this trend of scouting under-the-radar prospects with the potential to improve over time. Johnson’s defensive capabilities, athleticism, and rebounding skills would make him a solid fit in the Lakers’ system, particularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Developing a Long-Term Asset
For the Lakers, the appeal of Samson Johnson goes beyond his immediate potential. Johnson has the raw tools that, with proper coaching and development, could translate into a valuable long-term asset. The Lakers are always thinking about both the present and the future, and with LeBron James not getting any younger, it’s important to look ahead. Johnson could be developed into a key contributor over time, giving the Lakers a strong center for the future while addressing immediate depth concerns in the frontcourt.
Lakers’ Recent Draft Successes and How They Impact the Decision
The Lakers have been relatively successful with their draft picks in recent years, with Austin Reaves being the prime example. Reaves has evolved into a key rotation player for the Lakers, showing poise, confidence, and the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Players like Max Christie and Jared Vanderbilt (acquired in a trade) have also demonstrated promise.
Their success in identifying diamonds in the rough, combined with their strong developmental system, could make them confident that a player like Samson Johnson could follow a similar trajectory. The Lakers have a history of developing players into roles that contribute to championship contention, and Johnson’s upside could make him a valuable piece of the puzzle.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the Lakers are once again looking to identify players who can add value to their roster both immediately and long term. The upcoming workout with Samson Johnson represents a strategic decision, one that showcases the Lakers’ commitment to finding the next wave of talent to complement their superstar players. Johnson’s defensive ability, rebounding skills, and athleticism make him a fascinating prospect. If the Lakers can mold his game, he could be a key contributor in their quest for another NBA championship.
Whether or not Johnson ultimately becomes a member of the Lakers remains to be seen, but the fact that they are taking the time to evaluate him suggests that the team is committed to making smart, forward-thinking decisions that could impact their roster for years to come. The Lakers have shown they can identify and develop late-round talent, and Johnson could very well be the next player to benefit from their nurturing system.
