Magic Johnson Absolves LeBron James, Anthony Davis of Blame for Lakers' Game 1 Loss to Nuggets

Madison Williams | Apr 21, 2024

Apr 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) talk in a game. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 1 of their first round series to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, and fans blamed various reasons for the loss.

Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson does not want fans to blame forward LeBron James (27) or forward Anthony Davis (32) for the loss, though, as they both scored the most points for the team. Instead, Johnson thinks the guards and other players who lacked in scoring are the ones at fault.

"This Lakers loss isn't LeBron or AD’s fault," Johnson tweeted. "Just like I said the other day…the guards had to play well - and they didn't. Dlo [D'Angelo Russell] was 1/9 from the 3-point line, [Austin] Reaves was quiet most of the game, and they only combined for 26 points."

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.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 21, 2024

Some fans still disagreed with Johnson's take, though, as they questioned where James and Davis were in the second half as the Lakers began to trail.

Game 2 of the series tips off at 10 p.m. ET in Ball Arena on Monday, April 22.