Magic Johnson trashes Lakers after alarming NBA playoff loss

The Lakers suffered a tough loss on their home court in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs against the Timberwolves, and Magic Johnson expressed his disappointment.

Johnson took to social media to criticize the Lakers, who were the only home team to lose on the first day of the playoffs, falling 117-95.

“Tonight was one of the Lakers’ worst performances this season,” the Lakers legend posted on X Saturday night. “They lacked energy, were flat, and played as if it was just a regular season game.”

Johnson also criticized first-year head coach JJ Redick.

“Coach JJ Redick did well throughout the season, but he didn’t perform well in Game 1,” Johnson wrote. “The Lakers lacked movement on offense, played too much isolation basketball, and there were no necessary adjustments made.”

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards had an impressive game, nearly achieving a triple-double with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 25 points on 11-for-13 shooting with nine rebounds.

Julius Randle, traded to Minnesota by the Knicks in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade before the season, contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists as the Timberwolves shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 50 percent from 3-point range.

On the other hand, the Lakers shot 39.8 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from beyond the arc.

After leading by seven in the first quarter, the Lakers were outscored by 18 points in the second quarter, lacking physicality against the Timberwolves.

“This Minnesota team brings a physical game,” LeBron James, who scored 19 points, commented. “It took us one game to understand that. They took away our homecourt advantage tonight, but we need to focus on what we can control to have a better chance in the next games.”

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 37 points and eight rebounds.

The Lakers will aim to even the series at home in Game 2 on Tuesday before heading to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday.