NBA: Magic Johnson Says Lakers Bench Not As Deep Compared To Clippers

KEY POINTS

The LA Lakers and LA Clippers are one the higher seeds in the Western Conference
Magic Johnson said that the Clippers have a deeper bench than the Lakers
The Clippers have more double-digit scorers that the Lakers

Los Angeles basketball has been at its highest in years. The Lakers and the Clippers have risen to the top of the Western Conference standings where they both currently hold home-court advantages. The Lakers are in first place with a 41-12 record while the Clippers are battling for second with their 37-18 campaign.

Both teams made crucial offseason adjustments that brought them to this predicament. Lebron James accompanied by All-NBA Player Anthony Davis leads the Lakers. Davis has been a highly recruited star and is currently dominating as the Purple and Gold’s main big man. The Clippers, on the other hand, have also improved their forces as they acquired reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and former All-Star Paul George.

Magic Johnson predicts that the two will meet in the Western Conference Finals. Per USA Today, he compares the two teams in terms of their roster. “If you look at man-for-man, [the Clippers are] probably better than [the Lakers] in terms of the bench,” Johnson said. He proceeded by saying that the Lakers’ two top stars should step up and show everyone the potential that they have.

“But to Anthony Davis and LeBron James, to me, they are going to be the key and they are going to have to dominate in that series. Then we’re going to need that third scorer,” he added.

There are other pieces to the Lakers team that can be pivotal to their campaign. Kyle Kuzma is expected to step up as he remains with the team after surviving another year of multiple trade rumors. He is currently averaging 12.6 points and is the third leading scorer of the team. He trails Davis and Lebron who have averages of 26.6 and 25 points per game respectively. They are the only players on the Lakers squad who average in double figures.

Compared to the Clippers, there are six players who average more than ten points. Multiple-time sixth man of the year Lou Williams is putting up 19.5 points per night. Montrezl Harrell is tallying 18.8 points and grabs 7.1 rebounds per outing.

This shows that the battle of the LA teams deep in the later stretch of the season will be one to look out for.