Magic Johnson Name-Drops Who’s To Blame for Los Angeles Lakers’ Brutal Game 1 Loss vs. Denver Nuggets

All-Star forward Anthony Davis , for his part, led the Lakers with 32 points and 14 rebounds. James had 27 points, six rebounds, and dished eight dimes in 41 minutes. On the other hand, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves combined for 26 points with each getting 13 points during the game.

The loss highlighted how well-oiled the Nuggets are on both ends of the floor. With an offense anchored by the two-time MVP and a defense filled with tall defenders, James and the Lakers could only do so much with what they have to fend of Denver. In any case, the Jokic-led squad now have the advantage in the series.

Magic Johnson Reveals Reason Why Los Angeles Lakers Lost Game 1 to Denver Nuggets

After the game, Lakers legend Magic Johnson pointed out the reasons why LA lost Game 1 to the Nuggets. In a pair of posts he shared on X:

“The 18 Nuggets points off offensive rebounds hurt the Lakers, but the momentum completely changed in the 3rd quarter when Dlo made that transition turnover which led to a Nuggets basket. He then missed a layup that would’ve put the Lakers up 5, and instead the Nuggets tied the game and they never recovered,” Johnson tweeted.

“This Lakers loss isn’t LeBron or AD’s fault. Just like I said the other day…the guards had to play well – and they didn’t. Dlo was 1/9 from the 3-point line, Reaves was quiet most of the game, and they only combined for 26 points,” He added.

Reaves took only nine shots, made five of them, while getting four rebounds and three assists. Russell, meanwhile, shot a horrendous 30 percent from the field and 11 percent from deep.

Johnson made a good point in highlighting how weak Reaves and Russell were against the Nuggets. If the Lakers want to win this series, they’ll have to be better in helping James and Davis out in the coming days.