Lakers vs Bucks: Magic Johnson Credits Anthony Davis for Saving LeBron James-Less Lakers

If we were on the edge of our seats watching that never ending clash between the Lakers and Bucks, imagine what Magic Johnson was feeling. The Los Angeles Lakers legend is also a fan of the current Bucks roster. That thrilling overtime game was amplified for him too and he had to spill out those feelings on X. Once his former team clinched a 128-124 victory in double overtime, Magic Johnson popped up on X to prove he bleeds Purple and Gold.

“What a game! I just watched an amazing 128-124 road victory for the Lakers against one of the best teams in the East, the Bucks. For the Lakers to get it done without LeBron is just special!” wrote the 5x NBA champion.

As Magic wrote, LeBron James sat out this game due to an ankle injury. Anthony Davis led the charge, playing 52 minutes today and putting 34 points on the board. He also recorded 2 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks and 23 rebounds in the game. The Brow’s dominance tonight had Magic Johnson exhilarated.

He followed up the post for the team with another post for the Lakers’ stars tonight. “Anthony Davis was dominant on both ends of the court scoring 34 points and 23 rebounds! He also had four blocks, two of which saved the game! Austin Reaves finished with an impressive 29 point, 14 rebound, 10 assist triple-double and both Rui Hachimura (16 points and 14 rebounds) and De’Angelo Russell (29 points and 12 assists) added double-doubles.”

AD took a banger to his knee and still outdueled Giannis Antetokounmpo for almost an hour. The most crucial moment of the game, one that Magic seems to have loved, was when he stopped Damian Lillard‘s game-winning attempt with three seconds left in the first overtime. Dame attempted a left-handed layup before Davis blocked it at the buzzer, leaving the game tied at 117-117 and forcing a second overtime.

Anthony Davis lives up to Magic Johnson’s expectations

This is the second time this season the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the LeBron-less Lakers. By most analysts’ observation, key pieces like Davis, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves emerge as playmakers in the King’s absence. For a long time, Magic Johnson has been demanding this from his former team.

Along with his dagger in the final overtime, Austin Reaves also recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in 48 minutes. DLo, who put up 44 points during the previous Lakers-Bucks matchup this month, stepped up as well with 29 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds.

When the Brow was inconsistent in the 2023 half of this season, Magic Johnson solely placed the burden on Davis’ shoulders. “You said you wanna lead this team. It’s your team now. LeBron said it’s your team,” was his message to AD in October 2023.

While Johnson is a big fan of LeBron James, he’s been pitting Anthony Davis as the face of the franchise all season. Now we know how he feels with AD seizing the opportunity.

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