Trey Johnson off to Italy, no NBA opt out clause

Post #1 » by **dockingsched** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 5:21 am

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/stor ... no-opt-out

Lakers guard Trey Johnson is heading to Italy to play basketball next season.

Johnson, a late-season call-up by the Lakers from the D-League last year, signed a one-year deal with Teramo Basket of the Italian League on Wednesday.

ohnson's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPNLosAngeles.com that his client's contract does not include an opt-out clause to return to the NBA should the lockout be resolved in time for the league to hold all or part of the 2011-12 season....

tugs · Post #2 » by **tugs** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 5:29 am

seems he gave up on his chances for this season and his chances of playing with the Lakers. was really looking forward to see him play in P&G for a whole season.

aussie_laker · Post #3 » by **aussie_laker** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 12:09 pm

won't make a difference... we aren't playing this season. Will be good for him to gain some experience in a solid overseas league. Hopefully he can get some confidence and grow as a player while there, come back and be able to contribute if he makes the team

Gek · Post #4 » by **Gek** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 1:21 pm

Not sure if he ever had a chance at a spot so don't see how this experience can do anything but help his chances of making it in the NBA.

Post #5 » by **crazyeights** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 4:00 pm

^Exactly. Unfortuantely, the Lakers would've never gave him a chance.

Edrees · Post #6 » by **Edrees** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 6:08 pm

Yeah they would, we don't have phil jackson anymore. with Fisher's D, he's not getting any minutes from mike brown.

Post #7 » by **crazyeights** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 6:51 pm

Oh you're right...that's why his contract doesn't include an NBA opt out clause.

Blake and Fish are wrapped up long-term. We're stuck with them.

Jase · Post #8 » by **Jase** » Thu Aug 4, 2011 8:57 pm

I don't think this is a huge loss. If anything, it opens up more time for some of our younger players. I really want to see Ebanks get some minutes.

Frantik · Post #9 » by **Frantik** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 1:39 am

Who cares?! We have a potential pure point guard in Darrius Morris. Good size, good IQ, good attitude, ...Lets try to turn this kid into a solid contributor. He's gonna need some minutes (Ebanks too). I'm tired of all these old folks already! Therefore more space on the roster is a good thing. We all know Trey Johnson never had a chance.

We need a smooth transition as Kobe gets older. I don't want to wake up one day and Lakers look like the f*ckin timberwolves!

tugs · Post #10 » by **tugs** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 2:12 am

was hoping for a Johnson-Morris combo at PG in the near future but yeah let's just develop Morris and get someone who can be his back up since he already has a mentor in Fisher.

Anklebreaker702 · Post #11 » by **Anklebreaker702** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 2:18 am

guds wrote:was hoping for a Johnson-Morris combo at PG in the near future but yeah let's just develop Morris and get someone who can be his back up since he already has a mentor in Fisher.

Yeah that could have been nice.

Frantik · Post #12 » by **Frantik** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 2:37 am

guds wrote:was hoping for a Johnson-Morris combo at PG in the near future but yeah let's just develop Morris and get someone who can be his back up since he already has a mentor in Fisher.

Alot to ask, but If Goudelock can improve his shot selection, maintain his 3pt shooting reputation and develop good slashing ability.... he could be the future backup at the point guard position. I don't think he will ever turn into an assists kinda guy though.

We just gotta play these rookies...

Frantik · Post #13 » by **Frantik** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 2:51 am

guds wrote:was hoping for a Johnson-Morris combo at PG in the near future but yeah let's just develop Morris and get someone who can be his back up since he already has a mentor in Fisher.

You really want Fisher to mentor Morris???

From a basketball standpoint, I do NOT want Fisher mentoring Mr. Morris!

Morris is a completely different style of player than we've had at the point guard position in years! The guy has always played point guard, no hibrid crap. He makes plays happen. Basketball-wise, Fisher on the other hand is none more than a clutch spot-up shooter.

Morris needs to be under the wing of a playmaker. Maybe good ol Magic and do for him what Kareem did for Bynum. only thing is.. it's just too early to be guessing his highest potential right now. The kid has the basics but we need more that that.

tugs · Post #14 » by **tugs** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 3:15 am

if you are referring to their style of plays then good points on Morris-Fish. I believe Fish would be better off mentoring Goudelock. though Derek can still provide veteran leadership and experience to both and provide knowledge basketball-wise and proper demeanor, I'd look for Magic to mentor Morris (hopefully he will) on court leadership and style of play since somehow they are similar players: big, can penetrate and dish.

Frantik wrote:The kid has the basics but we need more that that.

a lot of players aren't polished with the basics/fundamentals which is very important. we do need more than that but that is a good starting point. next is develop his left handles.

going back to Trey Johnson, after his stint overseas, I'm down if he goes back and play for LA.

LaLa · Post #15 » by **LaLa** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 4:34 am

Never saw the big deal with Trey. Yeah, he played solid when he played but he never made an impact. He could replace Steve Blake though but anyone could lol...

tugs · Post #16 » by **tugs** » Fri Aug 5, 2011 5:09 am

LaLa wrote:Never saw the big deal with Trey. Yeah, he played solid when he played but he never made an impact. He could replace Steve Blake though but anyone could lol...

he was a breath of fresh air, from the stench that is Steve Blake and Derek Fisher (when they sucked a lot).

MambaTime · Post #17 » by **MambaTime** » Sat Aug 6, 2011 2:54 am

Best of luck to him. Not sure if he was even guaranteed a spot on the roster with us drafting Morris/Goudelock.