There was a lot of disappointment surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 1 defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Clearly, team legend Magic Johnson was one of the many supporters who were let down by LA's performance in their second-round opener.
Johnson took to Twitter to provide his own post-game analysis, and the former Lakers team president did not hold back.
The Lakers had no energy, played slow, and were outplayed on both ends of the floor early in the game.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 5, 2020
Indeed, the Lakers came out flat and never looked like they were trying to compete. It even felt like they were already waiving the white flag mid-way through the fourth period.
Johnson also brought up an excellent point about LA proving helpless against former MVP James Harden.
James Harden was spectacular scoring 36 points against the Lakers and we had no answer for him 🤦🏾♂️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 5, 2020
Harden pretty much had his way all night long against a lackluster Lakers defense. If LA keeps this up, they will be in real danger of having Harden dominate the entire series.
Johnson sent out one final warning to his beloved Lakers, reminding them that the Rockets are a different animal from the Portland Trail Blazers:
The Lakers better realize quick the Houston Rockets are not the Portland Trailblazers!!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 5, 2020
LA has now lost two consecutive series openers after losing Game 1 against Portland in the first round. The Lakers bounced back tremendously against Portland though, winning the next four games for a gentleman's sweep.
As Magic Johnson implied above, however, the Rockets are anything like the Blazers. At this point, the last thing the Purple and Gold should do is to be complacent against Harden and company. The Lakers will get their chance to get one back on Sunday in Game 2.
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