Stanley Johnson Finds A New Home

Stanley Johnson became an instant fan favorite with the Los Angeles Lakers when he came aboard last season, with his energy off the bench and his dogged, hounding defensive aggressiveness.  Now he'll be taking his talents to South Beach. Or at least to their organization. 

Stanley Johnson is joining the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate, Sioux Falls Skyforce, league sources told @hoopshype. Miami has an open roster spot. Johnson shot a career-best 46.6 percent with the Lakers last season.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 8, 2022

Johnson will join the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. And with an open roster spot in Miami, it’s possible that he could join the NBA club at some point, though he does remain an NBA free agent since it’s a G League contract.

The Stanimal averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and nearly one steal in about 23 minutes per game in 48 contests with the Lakers last season. He was then sent to Utah in the Patrick Beverley trade in the offseason; the Jazz waived him in training camp.

The 26-year-old began his career playing three seasons with the Detroit Pistons after they made him the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He was then dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans in early 2019, and then spent two seasons with the Toronto Raptors. 

 Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports