The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised 2022-23 team options on Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel, the team announced. Tuesday was the deadline day for teams to pick up options.
Lakers announce they've picked up team options on Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel pic.twitter.com/7bgkmf1USv
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) June 29, 2022
The moves come as no surprise, though Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka did not reveal the Lakers' plans for Johnson and Gabriel when he met with reporters after the 2022 NBA Draft. Pelinka cited the fact that both players could be involved in trade talks, which could still be the case going forward.
The Lakers now have nine players under contract for 2022-23, including second-round pick Max Christie.
Johnson and Gabriel were two promising finds for the Lakers in 2021-22. The 26-year-old Johnson — a former No. 8 overall pick (2015) — found a home in Los Angeles after being signed via hardship exception in December. He became a staple of the rotation as his motor, toughness, and defensive intensity on the wing proved vital. He was often one of the most candid and thoughtful players when discussing his and his team's play in press conferences.
“I have a team option next year,” Johnson said at exit interviews. “Me personally, I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve had here. I’ve learned a lot, especially being around all this Hall of Fame talent and a bunch of really good people. I will look forward to being here if they will have me, but for me, I’ve grown a lot even coming from South Bay all the way up. … I would love to have the opportunity to take a whole summer and get ingrained in what we do as an organization all over the place and be around.”
Gabriel, who was signed in April, provided the Lakers with much-needed athleticism and length from the center position over his 19 games in purple-and-gold. The 6'9, 25-year-old is a career 34% three-point shooter.
Johnson will earn $2.4 million in 2022-23, while Gabriel will play for $1.9 million.
If you're wondering, Austin Reaves is on the roster for next season. His $1.6 million is non-guaranteed.
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