If the lights and the crowd inside Madison Square Garden wasn’t enough to put pressure on the shoulders of Lonzo Ball in his first game at the mecca, Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson was also seated at courtside to watch the team play, which adds to the need for him to be at his best.
The 20-year-old rookie responded well on Tuesday night, as he had one of his better games so far in the NBA. Although the Lakers ultimately lost in overtime, 113-109, Lonzo Ball is hoping that the five-time champion saw the things they did right. He then added, via Serena Winters of Lakers Nation, that it was difficult not to know Johnson was watching them, as his presence alone changed the atmosphere of the game.
Lonzo Ball on Magic watching courtside: “I think everyone knows when Magic is in the building, just his presence alone. Hopefully we made him proud, we didn’t get the win for him, but we are taking the right steps forward.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 13, 2017
Despite the loss, the Lakers made a good account of themselves, as their players stepped-up their games and even had a chance to win. Six of them finished in double-figure scoring, led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who had 24 and Kyle Kuzma with 19.
It won't be the last time Magic Johnson will be seen courtside during games. So Lonzo better lead the Lakers to a victory next time for Magic to flash that million-dollar smile.
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