Wesley Johnson day to day with strained tendon in left foot
Lakers forward Wesley Johnson underwent an MRI on Monday that showed a strained tendon in his left foot.
According to the team, he’ll be listed as day to day.
Johnson played just eight minutes Sunday in the Lakers’ 97-88 preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets. Through two exhibition games, he’s shooting 20% from the field.
“It could be just two bad games,” said Coach Mike D’Antoni. “I told him today, if you look at the film, and I don’t think he’s played well to his potential, with him on the floor we’re a better team. He makes us better.”
The Lakers outscored the Golden State Warriors by six points with Johnson on the floor in a 104-105 win. The Lakers also outscored the Nuggets by four before Johnson sat with the foot injury.
How does Johnson make his teammates better, even while struggling individually?
“His athleticism, his length, his ability to run the floor, spread the floor, make quick dives,” said D’Antoni. “His unselfishness.”
The Lakers next play Tuesday night in Ontario with a rematch against the Nuggets.
Steve Blake could be an option in the starting lineup at shooting guard, moving Nick Young to small forward.
D’Antoni said he anticipated Jordan Farmar will be available Tuesday after sitting Sunday with a sore calf. If Farmar is unable to go, Blake would be unlikely to start as the team’s primary backup to Steve Nash at point guard.
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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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