Magic Johnson is optimistic about the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason prospects as they entered the NBA Play-In tournament as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They faced the New Orleans Pelicans in a play-In matchup with a chance to secure the seventh seed and face the Denver Nuggets in the first round. However, some fans were concerned about facing the Nuggets, who had eliminated the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals the previous year. If the Lakers lost to the Pelicans, they would face either the Sacramento Kings or the Golden State Warriors, with the potential to play the second-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Johnson dismissed suggestions that the Lakers should intentionally lose to secure a more favorable matchup, emphasizing the importance of competitiveness and wanting to beat the best to be the best. The Lakers had struggled against the Nuggets, losing all four games in the previous playoffs and three games in the regular season. In contrast, they had a winning record against the Thunder, winning three out of four games in the regular season. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg suggested resting star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis to aim for the eighth seed and potentially face a weaker opponent in the play-In game.
Despite the differing opinions, Magic Johnson stood firm in his belief that the Lakers should aim to win and secure the seventh seed to face the Nuggets, citing the competitive nature of sports where victory is paramount. He expressed confidence in the Lakers’ ability to compete against top teams, noting that previous matchups with the Nuggets had been close despite losses. The Lakers faced a crucial decision in their approach to the play-In game, weighing the benefits of securing a higher seed against potentially facing a tougher opponent in the first round of the playoffs.
With LeBron James hinting at the end of his NBA career after a stellar performance against the Nets, the Lakers faced a pivotal moment in determining their postseason trajectory. The outcome of the play-In game would not only impact their immediate playoff matchups but also potentially shape the direction of the team in the coming years. Johnson’s assertion that the Lakers should prioritize winning and embracing challenges resonated with many fans, highlighting the competitive spirit and desire for success within the franchise. As the Lakers navigated the postseason, they would need to rely on their talent, experience, and unity to overcome obstacles and pursue their championship aspirations.
