The Perth Wildcats have made the drastic decision to axe American import Jaron Johnson for the second time this season in a desperate bid to save their ailing finals hopes.

The Wildcats first axed Johnson in October in order to bring in sharpshooter Andre Ingram.

But when Ingram quit the Wildcats a week later citing mental health issues, the Wildcats reinstated 26-year-old Johnson.

They did so in a bizarre video posted on the Wildcats Facebook page, in which they Photoshopped Johnson into a scene from Lord of the Rings.

Johnson scored 21 points in Perth's 78-74 loss to Adelaide earlier this week in one of his best displays for the club.

But it wasn't enough to retain his place in the side with the Wildcats sitting in last spot with a 7-9 record. 

Perth's management made the bold call to axe Johnson - this time seemingly for good.

The Wildcats cited the need to improve team balance as the reason for their latest axing of Johnson.

The club released a statement saying they hope to secure Johnson's replacement in the coming weeks.

The Wildcats will be back in action on December 31 when they take on the Illawarra Hawks at the WIN Entertainment centre.

Perth are aiming to extend their playoffs streak into a 31st straight year.

- AAP