Nate Johnson Signs With Lakers
Published on August 26, 2004 under United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release
MILFORD, CT â The United States Basketball League, Inc. (USBL) had its second player from the 2004 season sign a contract with an NBA team yesterday. Nate Johnson, a member of the Kansas Cagerz, signed with the Los Angeles Lakers; terms of the contact were undisclosed due to team policy. Johnson joins Lonnie Jones, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, as the second player from the 2004 season to sign with an NBA team.
Johnson was a key component of the Cagerz attack this season. He averaged 14.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists a game for the Cagerz. Johnson was also named to the All-Rookie team and was the runner up for the Rookie of the Year award. "He earned the chance, and it's really the last step before you make an NBA team," Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "He's a good kid, a very keen competitor. We see Nate primarily as a ball-handling guard. He did a nice job this summer of that. Really, that's why he has this opportunity. We'll see if he can keep it up in training camp. If so, teams usually find a way to keep a player like that."
"I feel like it's the best fit for me," said Johnson, whose contract is guaranteed beyond training camp only if he makes the team. "I'm staying focused and disciplined on the job at hand. I'm already in the system. I feel real confident about being there. My goal is just to go in and play as hard as I can, learn as much as I can from the veterans. It feels like home."
"Nate is an outstanding ball player who I believe has an excellent chance at making the Lakers roster," said USBL Founder and Commissioner Daniel T. Meisenheimer, III. "The Lakers are very lucky to have Nate. His work ethic and talent is on par with anyone in the NBA. I know everyone in the USBL is wishing him luck and we can't wait to see him in a Lakers uniform come opening night."
United States Basketball League Stories from August 26, 2004
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
