NBA News: Magic Johnson Hopes Los Angeles Lakers 'Lose Every Game'

NBA legend Magic Johnson hopes that the Los Angeles Lakers "lose every game."

The organisation's part owner did not show any sign of sympathy towards the struggling team that are only half a game ahead of Western Conference's cellar dweller, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While it may be likened to a deathwhish, Johnson has a reasonable rationale to uttering such words.

"I hope the Lakers lose every game," said Johnson.

"Because if you're going to lose, lose. And I'm serious."

"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 pick."

"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."

The yellow-and-gold are currently on a rebuilding phase after losing Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol in the past years, and their chances of making it to the playoffs is less than slim, if not nil. While it may be best for the franchise in the long run, Kobe Bryant's competitive nature won't let a makeshift team hinder his will to win.

"I don't see teams tanking. It doesn't happen. Maybe there are certain teams in the league -- and this is not one of them -- where ownership sits up there in their office and they're crossing their fingers quietly and hoping," said Bryant.

"But the players themselves? Never. Players play. Players play, and players try to win every single game. That's just what we do."

Meanwhile, Lakers head coach Byron Scott viewed the concept of purposefully conceding games as an act bereft of dignity.

"I don't think our players look at it that way. We've got to go out here and try to win every game possible," said Scott.

"If you lose games, it's one thing, but to go out and try to lose, that's a different story. I think that sends a message to those guys in there."

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