Lakers News: How Magic Johnson Feels About LA Possibly Throwing Play-In Game

Hall of Fame Los Angeles Lakers point guard Magic Johnson has now weighed in on whether his old squad should surrender tonight's play-in matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans to prioritize a more favorable first round playoff series.

Although the eighth-seeded Lakers (47-35) are the road team in tonight's bout against the 49-33 Pelicans, it certainly seems like LA has a major edge if healthy. The Lakers boast a 3-1 season record against the Pelicans this year. The team won those three blowout contests by an average of 25.7 points per.

The trouble, however, comes from what awaits the victor of tonight's play-in bout. Although the 57-25 Denver Nuggets may occupy "just" the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, they have a proven playoff pedigree as the league's reigning champs. Denver swept Los Angeles in last season's Western Conference Finals, and enjoyed a 16-3 run through the playoffs to capture the franchise's first championship.

The loser of the 7-8 matchup would go on to play the victor of tonight's 9-10 play-in game, between the 46-36 Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, for the right to play the unproven Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently occupy the West's top seed with an identical 57-25 record. That game for the eighth seed would absolutely not be a sure thing for LA. So would sacrificing today's contest to avoid Denver be worth the risk?

Johnson doesn't think so, anyway.

I want the Lakers to beat the Pelicans tonight to secure the #7 seed and face the Nuggets. Even though the Lakers lost their four matchups against the Nuggets, games 2, 3, and 4 were all close! It’s ridiculous that I’ve been hearing people think they should intentionally lose to…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 16, 2024

The 12-time All-Star and five-time champion may have a salient point.

Nevertheless, Los Angeles may be without some key pieces tonight. All-Star Los Angeles center Anthony Davis is questionable to play with back spasms. Reserve forward Cam Reddish has also seen his status downgraded to questionable with a right ankle sprain. LA will already be without two other important role players in defense-first combo forward Jarred Vanderbilt and floor-spacing big man Christian Wood.