The Los Angeles Lakers are currently making an unexpected run in the NBA Playoffs and LA Sports fans are taking notice. This includes both fans and players of the Chargers, who are undoubtedly rooting for their fellow LA franchise to succeed.
There are several players on the Chargers roster who are Lakers fans as well. After all, you don't have to be from LA to be a fan of the purple and gold. They are the most popular team in the entire league and for good reason.
One of those fans includes rookie wide receiver, Quentin Johnston. The Bolts selected Johnston with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to bring him to LA closer to his favorite basketball team.
How do we know the Lakers are his favorite team? Well, the Lakers' huge win in Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night sparked quite the reaction from Johnston. One that a non-fan certainly would not have.
QJ after that laker dub
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 9, 2023
if you’re our GM, keep scrolling … pic.twitter.com/eR6urpfAHj
This video confirms that Johnston can indeed do a standing backflip, which is something that he alluded to during his introductory press conference with the team. However, it also goes against Tom Telesco's best wishes, as the Chargers GM was not shy in shutting down the backflip conversation two weeks ago.
Quentin Johnston on getting drafted: "I didn't know whether to smile, do a backflip or cry."
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) April 28, 2023
I asked if he can actually do a backflip. "100 percent," he said.
Then @LindseyThiry asked if he could do one right now.
Tom Telesco from the back of the room: "No, no, no, no."
Chargers' Quentin Johnston proves he can backflip after Lakers' big win.
This showcases just how athletic Johnston really is, which is a big reason why the Chargers drafted him in the first place. You simply cannot teach the blend of size, speed and athleticism that Johnston possesses and that alone will give him a foundation for success in the NFL.
There are areas of Johnston's game that need work, without a doubt, but it is impossible to not be excited about his potential ceiling as a freak athlete. How many other receivers do you know can do a standing backflip like it is just another Monday? Probably not many.
This might be the last backflip that Johnston gets to do as a Charger, though. It wouldn't be surprising if Johnston's phone buzzed with a quick text message from his head coach after the Chargers' social media team posted this video. After all, they are making a big investment in Johnston and his future.
But then again, the Chargers also allowed Justin Herbert to play basketball and dunk on random kids in the past, so maybe a backflip isn't so bad after all.