Former Lakers Fan Favorite Signs in San Antonio

After signing on for a quick G League stint of three games, defensive hound Stanley Johnson has now officially joined an NBA roster, signing with the San Antonio Spurs.

The San Antonio Spurs are signing veteran forward Stanley Johnson to a one-year deal, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2022

To make room, the Spurs have waived another Johnson, Alize, who was on a non-guaranteed contract. 

The 'Stanimal' was a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, bringing that bulldog mentality on defense. He averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 48 games in LA.

He was sent from the Lakers to the Utah Jazz in the Patrick Beverley trade this past summer, but he faced a roster crunch in Utah, who ultimately waived him. 

Since coming into the league in 2015 as the No. 8 overall pick in the Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Johnson has never been able to find his offensive game, averaging just 6.3 points while shooting 38% from the field over seven seasons. But it's his energy and tireless play on defense that is his calling card. 

Big man Alize Johnson signed with San Antonio just two weeks ago as frontcourt depth after injuries to Jakob Poeltl and Jeremy Sochan. The latter returned to action this week, making Alize Johnson expendable. 

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports