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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Marvi

Magic Johnson on what the Lakers need to do to beat the Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers’ matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies will be one of the more intriguing series the NBA will have to offer as the playoffs begin this weekend.

Memphis is considered a slight favorite, but many believe the Lakers have at least a real shot of knocking off Ja Morant and crew and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals for only the second time in the last 11 seasons.

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Against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Tuesday’s play-in tournament game, the Lakers received very little production from players not named LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder.

In the eyes of team legend Magic Johnson, such players have to step up and play up to their potential, and he said he would also like guard Lonnie Walker IV to get some playing time.

On Tuesday, D’Angelo Russell shot 1-of-9 (although he did have eight assists against one turnover), Austin Reaves went 4-of-13 and Troy Brown Jr missed all but one of his five shot attempts.

Rui Hachimura was just 3-of-8, but he hit a couple of key shots to help the Lakers’ cause, and although Malik Beasley was efficient, he got up just three shots in 14 minutes.

Walker has fallen out of head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation since the trade deadline, but he has gained spot duty on occasion, and he is still a threat to hit from the outside.

Game 1 against the Grizzlies is set to tip off at noon Pacific time on Sunday.

Follow all your favorite SoCal teams at LeBron Wire, Trojans Wire, Chargers Wire and Rams Wire!

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