Lakers’ Wesley Johnson believes better days are ahead

Over and over after practice Friday, the Lakers’ Wesley Johnson said how much he was looking forward to Sunday’s game against Charlotte.

Does that mean Lakers fans are going to see an improved version of the small forward at Staples Center?

“Yes, you are,” Johnson responded. “Yes, you are.”

The Lakers are 0-5, off to their worst start since 1957.

The team has struggled, and so has the 6-foot-7 Johnson. He is averaging eight points per game and shooting 40%. He’s taken only 35 shots — making 14 — in the first five games despite averaging 29.6 minutes per game. Johnson has shot40% from three-point range, but in only 10 attempts.

Johnson’s game has been an enigma throughout his five-year career. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2010 draft by Minnesota, but he has never lived up to that.

He was considered an athletic talent who could shoot three-pointers, defend well and create shots.

Now Lakers Coach Byron Scott is trying to coax more out of Johnson.

“Just got to keep pushing him,” Scott said. “Try to run certain things for him on the offensive end and keep pushing him on the defensive end and keep giving him that confidence that he needs. And that reassuring of, ‘Don’t worry about it. Just go out there and play basketball.’”

Johnson said he has been talking frequently with Kobe Bryant about taking the right approach to games.

Johnson said Bryant, who did not speak to the media Friday, has offered him encouragement.

“Kobe has been telling me, ‘Play like your family depends on it. Put everything on the line and play like it’s your last game,’” Johnson said. “I told him I saw the Phoenix game and how hard he was playing, how hard he was going. I need to play like that.”

Bryant played 44 minutes and scored 39 points Tuesday night in the Lakers’ 112-106 loss to the Suns.

Though his play has been uneven, Johnson said he remains upbeat about his game.

“I’m very confident. I haven’t lost my mind. I’m still fine,” he said.

Changes in the rotation?

Scott warned his team that he might have a “shorter leash” if players “keep messing” up in games.

“Maybe it’s a 12-man rotation instead of a nine-man rotation,” Scott said. “I wouldn’t say expect it, but don’t be surprised by it.”

Etc.

Ryan Kelly, who made his debut Tuesday after missing the first four regular-season games because of a right hamstring injury, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game because of soreness in the hamstring.

Kelly sat out most of practice Friday and Scott said the team wants to be “a little more patient” with the forward before allowing him to play again.

Follow Broderick Turner on Twitter @BA_Turner