Lakers: Magic Johnson Warns LA of Warriors' 'Championship Pedigree' Before Crucial Game 5

Magic Johnson - Los Angeles Lakers Media Day
(Photo : Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) EL SEGUNDO, CA - Earvin "Magic" Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers, speaks during media day September 25, 2017, in El Segundo, California.

Magic Johnson, who knows a thing or two about closing out a series, has warned his Los Angeles Lakers team ahead of their closeout Game 5 against defending champion Golden State Warriors.

The NBA legend said that Golden State's championship pedigree is not something to take lightly, and the Lakers must be locked in if they want to finish the series.

Read more: Marcus Smart admits what went wrong for the Celtics

Johnson also praised Lakers coach Darvin Ham's tactics and adjustments that enabled the Lakers to win three out of the first four games in the series.

The five-time champion also issued a similar statement following the Lakers' Game 4 victory. After praising Lonnie Walker IV's heroic performance, he reiterated that "the hardest thing to do is to close a team out like the World Champion Golden State Warriors."

Magic Johnson: Laker Legend

It's no secret that Magic Johnson made a name for himself by delivering on closeout games for the Lakers. As a rookie, he played arguably the best game of his career in this situation.

With the Lakers having a chance to win the 1980 NBA title against the Sixers, but with superstar center and league MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out with a sprained ankle in the clinching game, Johnson did his work.

The then-20-year-old started the game at center, playing all five positions as the game went on in a dominant performance. He eventually finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Lakers closed out the series and won the first title of their 1980s dynasty.

Related Article: Victor Wembanyama makes decision on pre-Draft activities

© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Real Time Analytics