NBA legend Magic Johnson didn’t hold back in offering some tough-love criticism for his beloved Los Angeles Lakers—where he spent 13 seasons and won five championship rings—after their Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Before tipoff, Johnson admitted he was nervous about the matchup, especially with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in the starting lineup. His concern proved valid as the Lakers fell 117–95. Edwards posted a strong performance with 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, while Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
Though it’s only the beginning of the series and the Lakers have time to bounce back, Johnson already has some suggestions.
“Tonight was one of the Lakers’ worst performances this season,” he wrote online. “They were flat, had no energy, and played like it was a regular season game.”