Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Has Valuable Advice for Frank Vogel Regarding LeBron James and Anthony Davis

The reigning champions did not get past the first round of the playoffs and left everyone in shock. More so, the Los Angeles Lakers were utterly humiliated and criticized for this, while the haters celebrated their failure. However, this only means that they have significant decisions to make this offseason. From roster changes, to what role a player plays, there isn’t anything they can miss if they want to get better.

The Lakers started off this season poised to clinch the top seed in the Western Conference. But with LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing games, their role players were stranded. Nobody was able to step up and before they knew it, they were out of the playoffs run, courtesy to the Phoenix Suns.

So now it will be up to the purple and gold to dig themselves out of their hole by making smart moves this season. While trading players is definitely on the cards, Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson wants another big change.

Magic Johnson weighs in on what the Lakers need to do

In an interview, Johnson was asked whether the Lakers need to make adjustments or not, or if they’re good to go, as long as their key players stay healthy. Magic blatantly said that Rob Pelinka has some tough decisions to make and health shouldn’t be their only concern.

Although he criticized the role players like Kyle Kuzma and Dennis Schroder for not stepping up in Anthony Davis‘ absence, he also has suggestions for AD. Johnson stated:

“Tell AD, he’s going to have to play more center now. You can’t allow him to say, ‘Hey man, I don’t want to play center’. No no no… For me, I would move LeBron back down. We are asking him to do too much. You can’t ask LeBron to be the point guard. That means you’re working hard. You’re bringing the ball up, you’re getting everybody into the offense. When can LeBron rest? You got to understand is that we want LeBron fresh for the playoffs. So let somebody else bring it to him and then let him…”

READ MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: Kyle Kuzma Could Leave LeBron James and Lakes for a Bigger Role

More role players around AD and LeBron James

Magic also believes that the Lakers desperately need three-point shooters, along with better role players around their superstars.

This is an organization that wins championships and they need a supporting cast that can make that happen. The Lakers need to understand that the West has become more competitive with more threats like the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. So if they don’t pull up their game and make timely improvements, they will be doomed.

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