Hall of Famer Magic Johnson believes the Los Angeles Lakers need to make three key adjustments in order to beat the Miami Heat on Sunday.
The first adjustment Johnson suggested is getting back to playing great perimeter defense and taking away the 3-point line.
The number one thing the @Lakers need to do is get back to playing great perimeter defense, taking away the 3-point line.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 11, 2020
The Heat made 14 tripled in Game 5, which is the most they have made all series long. Duncan Robinson made half of those 3-pointers, which makes it necessary for LA to make sure Miami won't get any open looks from distance.
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will also be making a lineup change by replacing Dwight Howard for Alex Caruso. With that said, it could possibly provide better perimeter defense for the Lakers.
Johnson also believe the Lakers' role players need to step up, specifically Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma, Markieff Morris, Caruso, and Howard.
The Laker role players; Green, Howard, Rondo, Kuzma, Caruso, and Morris, must play great tonight!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 11, 2020
When LeBron James and Anthony Davis combine for 65-plus points like they did in Game 5, it usually means a win. However, they didn't win, and that's because none of their role players stepped up. All those players Johnson mention combined for just 24 markers in Game 5.
Lastly, Johnson believes the Purple and Gold need to control the tempo in order to win Game 6 and the Larry O'Brien trophy.
The Lakers must control the tempo!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 11, 2020
The Lakers were playing “catch-up” almost the entire game on Friday, which hasn't been the case before. However, if the Lakers can do these three keys Johnson suggested, then they would most certainly win their 17th championship.
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