{"id":139120,"date":"2025-05-12T12:42:24","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T16:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=139120"},"modified":"2025-05-12T12:42:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T16:42:24","slug":"samson-johnson-lakers-draft-workouts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/12\/samson-johnson-lakers-draft-workouts\/","title":{"rendered":"Two-Time UConn Champion First in Line for Lakers Draft Workouts"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the NBA Draft a month away (and the lottery<\/a> tonight), various prospects have already started working out for teams. The Lakers reportedly <\/span>scheduled a pre-draft workout<\/span><\/a> with UConn’s <\/span>Samson Johnson<\/span><\/a>. The 22-year-old center contributed to the Huskies’ last two national titles and became a starter his senior year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two-Time UConn Champion First in Line for Lakers Draft Workouts<\/b><\/h2>\n

What Johnson Brings to the Table<\/b><\/h3>\n

After coming off the bench for the last three years (which included a <\/span>foot injury<\/span><\/a> during his sophomore campaign), Johnson started all 34 games he played in this season and left UConn as <\/span>\u201cthe winningest player in program history.\u201d<\/span><\/a> 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\u2019s starting spot, <\/span>head coach Dan Hurley responded<\/span><\/a>, \u201cYou need warriors on the court.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“That kid is like one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached,\u201d he added. \u201cYou know, weighing 210 [pounds] basically \u2026 he’s just giving you absolutely everything [he\u2019s] got, and that’s why he starts [games], and that’s why I trust him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Johnson has been <\/span>heralded for<\/span><\/a> his athleticism, motor, and defense, all of which he displayed in increased minutes under Hurley. Defensively, he\u2019s a solid shot blocker, recording the <\/span>third-most swats<\/span><\/a> per game for the Huskies this season. On the other side, scored <\/span>most of his points off of rolls and lobs<\/span><\/a>, 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 <\/span>(very) questionable plays<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite his promise, scouts are <\/span>wary<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Samson Johnson is so important to UConn\u2019s offense. Here are his teammates\u2019 assist ratio (% of possessions used that end in assist), and 3p%, when he\u2019s on or off the floor. Staggering. <\/p>\n

(MP = minutes played in scenario) pic.twitter.com\/q0QzIkQOWa<\/a><\/p>\n

— No Escalators (@NoEscalators) February 21, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n