Magic Johnson declares cease-fire on Jim Buss, Mike D’Antoni, Lakers
Magic Johnson has declared a cease-fire on the Lakers, executive/owner Jim Buss and Coach Mike D’Antoni.
The Hall of Fame point guard has recently been very publicly lambasting the Lakers concerning their leadership, on-court play and decision to hire D’Antoni over Phil Jackson in 2012.
Via Twitter on Thursday, Johnson vowed to stop criticizing his former franchise.
Laker Nation: I want to give Coach D’Antoni credit because offensively he’s put the Lakers’ players in positions to be successful!— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 31, 2014
Laker Nation: I’m going to stop complaining. I’m going to support and encourage Jim Buss and Coach D’Antoni because I love the Lakers!— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 31, 2014
Laker Nation: It doesn’t do the Lakers players, coaches or ownership any good for me to complain.— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 31, 2014
D’Antoni declined to comment on any of Johnson’s statements, although he did acknowledge they were hurtful.
The Lakers have been absolutely decimated by injuries this season. According to Lakers.com, through games played Tuesday, the Lakers (16-30) have lost more players to injury than any other team in the league, at 153.
In comparison, the Indiana Pacers (35-10) have lost 30, the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-10) 27 and the Portland Trail Blazers (33-13) 34.
In fact, the Blazers have had the same starting lineup for every game this year. Rookie C.J. McCollum is responsible for all 34 games missed with a foot injury.
Would the Blazers have the same record if LaMarcus Aldridge or Damian Lillard sat out as many games as Kobe Bryant (40)?
Meanwhile, the Lakers are relying on three players who were in the NBA Development League this season (Kendall Marshall, Manny Harris and Ryan Kelly).
ALSO:
Pau Gasol says he’s probable Friday, despite groin injury
With Kobe Bryant ailing, Lakers to be absent from All-Star game
Kendall Marshall set to match Steve Blake with 15 starts at point
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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