Magic Johnson on the Lakers: 'I hope they lose every game'

With a record of 6-16, the outlook on the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers season is bleak. Apparently, former Lakers great Magic Johnson hopes it remains that way.

According to Neil Best at Newsday, Johnson is advocating the idea that his former team tank the rest of the season in hopes to boost their future.

"If you're going to lose, you have to lose, because you can't be in the middle of the pack. You either have to be great or you have to be bad, to get a good [draft] pick," Johnson said.

"One or two guys, whether that's through free agency or through trades, at least you have the cap space to make some things happen where before you were over the cap and had a bad time. Now you're really upset because you can't maneuver.

"The Lakers are in a good space, too, next summer if they can sign or trade for a talented guy. I'd rather be all the way bad than be in the middle," Johnson also added.

Surprising to hear such a fierce competitor as Johnson make these statements. But, as Kobe Bryant noted, Johnson seems to be wearing his "owners hat" at the moment.

"He's used to being an owner. He's an owner of the Dodgers. He was an owner of the Lakers. That's speaking from an owner's perspective. I think the fans -- or hopefully some of them -- are probably smart enough to understand his perspective as an owner. I certainly am.

"Magic is one of the most competitive players of all time. He doesn't want to lose. From an owner's perspective, his opinion is to get top picks and to be able to use those as leverage to trade and get a competitive team and so on. From where I'm sitting, I just look at his point of view, Braynt said according to ESPN.

Like Kobe mentioned, Johnson is a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and does understand the dynamic of rebuilding talent within the organization. The bitter truth about the NBA is being stuck in the middle, mediocrity, does present enormous challenges when trying to improve.

The Lakers have lost three of their last four, although they're coming off a win against the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night. They'll look to win their second in a row this coming Friday against the Spurs in San Antonio, despite Johnson's wishes.

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