Magic Johnson has had some choice words for members of the Lakers organization over the past 24 hours. After declaring his belief that Kobe Bryant, Jim Buss and other members of management sit down and hash out their differences, he made another startling comment during a conference call on Wednesday.
According to Kevin Ding of the O.C. Register, Johnson stated his personal belief that the Lakers need to make a trade if they’re going to compete for the Western Conference crown this season.
“If they can make a trade, they’ll be right there competing for the Western Conference championship,” Johnson said. “But if they don’t, I don’t think they’ll compete.”
Johnson’s comments may not be news to anyone since that has been the lingering feeling around this team all season. Still, when someone who has as much influence on the organization as Johnson does makes these comments odds are his comments will be heeded.
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With the trade deadline set for March 15 there is still plenty of time for the front office to wait and see what they can put together. Still, the growing consensus is that the team as currently constructed will be unable to win a championship.