Johnson looking forward to playing vs PBA’s ‘Lakers’ in Ginebra

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Reggie Johnson passed his first test in the PBA with flying colors after carrying Rain or Shine to a 109-103 overtime victory over Alaska.

Johnson, though, needs to double his effort and prepare their next game against “the Lakers” of the league on Sunday.

“The first time I got here, they told me Ginebra is like one of the fan favorites like the Lakers,” he said. “I know there’s going to be a lot of fans in the game and that’s what I’m about.”

If his first game is any indication, the burly reinforcement looks ready for whatever the opposition is going to throw at him.

Johnson bullied his way to 32 points on an efficient 11-of-18 shooting clip, on top of 22 rebounds and four assists on Friday.

However, the 28-year-old expects to be able to give more in the coming games as he works shed more weight from his current scale at 290 pounds.

“That’s always the goal. As the season goes, you continue to lose weight and continue getting the benefits of it,” he said. “I’m working. It’s a work in progress.”

What Johnson could promise, though, is he will perform better come Sunday in front of what is expected to be another packed crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m used to playing in front of big crowds and I’m excited. Hopefully, we give the fans a good game,” he said.