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Report: Clippers interested in Lakers’ Wesley Johnson

Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Wesley Johnson #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 7, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Doc Rivers must upgrade the Clippers’ bench.

Where might he look?

Across the hall.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:

The Clippers have interest in Lakers swingman Wes Johnson, according to sources.

Wesley Johnson is exactly the type of player the Clippers should pursue. They have a strong core in Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and – they hope – DeAndre Jordan. They need more solid role players, and Johnson fits the bill.

He’s a 3-and-D combo forward – solid at both skills, though spectacular at neither. The Clippers need more help at small forward, but a stretch four would give them helpful versatility.

Johnson had a solid season for the Lakers in 2013-14, and that earned him just a minimum contract. He produced at a similar level this season, though proving his consistency could increase his value.

If the Clippers can get him at the minimum, they should do it. If Johnson costs more, they should evaluate other free-agent options. They’ll be over the cap and without the bi-annual exception (given last year to Jordan Farmar). Johnson would help, but not so much that the Clippers should necessarily use a portion of their mid-level exception on him.