With the NBA Draft a month away (and the lottery tonight), various prospects have already started working out for teams. The Lakers reportedly scheduled a pre-draft workout with UConn’s Samson Johnson. The 22-year-old center contributed to the Huskies’ last two national titles and became a starter his senior year.
Two-Time UConn Champion First in Line for Lakers Draft Workouts
What Johnson Brings to the Table
After coming off the bench for the last three years (which included a foot injury during his sophomore campaign), Johnson started all 34 games he played in this season and left UConn as “the winningest player in program history.” This year, he averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and one assist per game while shooting 76% from both the field and the free-throw line. When questioned about Johnson’s starting spot, head coach Dan Hurley responded, “You need warriors on the court.”
“That kid is like one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached,” he added. “You know, weighing 210 [pounds] basically … he’s just giving you absolutely everything [he’s] got, and that’s why he starts [games], and that’s why I trust him.”
Despite not being invited to the Draft Combine or G League Showcase, the Hartford Courant reported he played at the Portsmouth Invitational in April, averaging 7.3 points and 6.7 rebounds on 56.3% shooting.
Johnson has been heralded for his athleticism, motor, and defense, all of which he displayed in increased minutes under Hurley. Defensively, he’s a solid shot blocker, recording the third-most swats per game for the Huskies this season. On the other side, scored most of his points off of rolls and lobs, moving well off the ball to get himself open. The 22-year-old also proved to be an adequate rebounder for his size, even if some of the boards came on (very) questionable plays.
Despite his promise, scouts are wary of his limited offensive game, particularly his shooting, as well as his need to add some low post moves to his arsenal. Improving on ball security is another point of emphasis, as he averaged 1.1 turnovers this season compared to one assist per game.
Samson Johnson is so important to UConn’s offense. Here are his teammates’ assist ratio (% of possessions used that end in assist), and 3p%, when he’s on or off the floor. Staggering.
(MP = minutes played in scenario) pic.twitter.com/q0QzIkQOWa
— No Escalators (@NoEscalators) February 21, 2025
Potential Fit on the Lakers
Rob Pelinka previously said he’s eyeing “lob threat” centers to complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and Johnson could fit that mold immediately. He has even received comparisons to a current Laker: two-way big man Christian Koloko.
Johnson’s athleticism should excite Laker fans as someone who can thrive on both ends of the floor. The team notoriously lacked bigs who could match opponents’ size and strength toward the end of the season and in the playoffs. The senior could help the Lakers in those regards and can develop into a rotation quality big man. Conversely, Doncic, James and Austin Reaves would benefit from having another lob threat on the roster. The Lakers would also love reinforcements on rebounding and defense—considering their regular-season finishes of 26th in boards per game and 22nd in blocks—and Johnson could patch those holes as well.
When it comes to centers the Lakers could draft, Samson Johnson should be near the top of the list. His skill set matches exactly what the brass is looking for, and his contributions to a prestigious program show he can translate his winning ways to the next level.
© Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
