Lakers Exercise Options On Two Fan Favorites

For the Los Angeles Lakers, these were pretty much "no-brainer" moves. They have picked up their team options on two role players that were among the few bright spots to their season. 

OFFICIAL: The Lakers have exercised team options on Wenyen Gabriel and Stanley Johnson pic.twitter.com/HTzke670MF

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 29, 2022

Still only 25, Stanley Johnson came in on a 10-day contract around the new year, and immediately established himself as a solid defensive piece in the rotation, and as a fan favorite for his tenacious D. It was never in doubt that the Lakers would pick up his $2.4M option for 2022-23. 

As a physical wing defender, Johnson does the dirty work, and brings intangibles that can't be measured on the stats sheet.  

Gabriel is another energy guy, who brought it every time he stepped out on the floor. The 6'9" forward had his $1.9M team option picked up, and he'll return to bring his brand of enthusiasm to the Lakers next season. 

The 24-year-old averaged 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in just 16 minutes a game. 

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports