Johnson can't completely attribute his partially disappointing NBA career to being moved from his natural position, but last year's stint in Mike D'Antoni's small-ball lineup didn't help him gain any momentum.
After being taken No. 4 overall in the 2010 NBA draft, Johnson has yet to average double figures in scoring, but he is making some strides.
New head coach Byron Scott says Johnson's days of playing power forward are over, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
"He ain't playing power forward anymore," Scott said. "He has everything that he needs to be a very good player in this league. It’s just a matter of me pulling it all out of him. I think this year he’s going to surprise some people and have a good year."
Johnson agreed that playing against the bigger, stronger forwards in the league was tough.
"I'm back on the wing again. I get to guard the 3s (small forwards), mix it up with the 2s (shooting guards). It was crazy. I was guarding Blake and banging with Z-Bo (Randolph). That ain't me. Get me on the wing. I’m very glad to be back."
Johnson is only 27 years old. He is in the physical prime of his life, and through four years in the NBA, he has gained valuable experience in his time with three different franchises.
Despite spending too much time near the paint last season, Johnson averaged career highs in all but one major statistical category. Thus, there's reason for optimism heading into the 2014-15 season.
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2010–11 Minnesota 79 63 26.2 .397 .356 .696 3.0 1.9 .7 .7 9.0 2011–12 Minnesota 65 64 22.6 .398 .314 .706 2.7 .9 .5 .7 6.0 2012–13 Phoenix 50 21 19.1 .407 .323 .771 2.5 ....
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
