Wesley Johnson vows to be a new Wesley Johnson on Sunday

The Lakers brought in Wesley Johnson last year, then re-signed him over the summer, hoping the former 4th overall pick (2010) will finally break through as an impact two-way player.

So far this season, Johnson is averaging only 8.0 points and 3.2 rebounds a game. On the defensive end, Johnson has tallied just three steals and two blocked shots.

“Through five games I like what I see, but he can be better and that’s what I’m kind of pushing for,” said Coach Byron Scott after practice on Friday. “He hasn’t really scratched the surface on how good he can be as a basketball player, on both ends of the floor.”

Johnson said he hasn’t lost any confidence and is ready to prove himself when the Lakers, who are 0-5, get back on the court.

“The mood and the mindset, everybody is upset about it, but there’s been a lot of improvement with the week off in practice,” he said. “I’m ready to play Sunday.”

The 6-foot-7 forward spent most of the summer working out privately with teammate Kobe Bryant. Johnson said he learned a lot under Bryant’s mentorship.

“Play like your family depends on it -- like everything is on the line, it’s your last game,” said Bryant, according to Johnson.

At 36 years old, Bryant led the Lakers on Tuesday with 39 points in a 112-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

“I told him I saw in the Phoenix game how hard he was playing, how hard he was going,” said Johnson. “We need to fight like that. Everybody needs to fight like that, regardless of how he plays or what he’s doing, all of us collectively need to fight like that.”

Johnson said he’s ready to step into that role.

“Now it’s my turn. I’m just ready for Sunday. That’s all I can say, I’m just ready for Sunday,” repeated Johnson.

So we’re going to see a new Wesley Johnson when he hits the floor against the Hornets?

“Yes you are. Yes you are,” he answered assuredly.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.