Magic Johnson changes his tune, now likes the Lakers’ chances

Jerry West isn’t the only Lakers great who still has confidence in his former team.

Magic Johnson, one of the Lakers’ harshest critics this season, was optimistic about their chances with 13 regular-season games left.

“The Lakers, I’ll tell you what, they’re one of the most dangerous teams,� he said. “They’ve got talent. And they’ve got two weeks to put it together, almost three weeks. They can still get this thing done.�

The Lakers (36-33) have improved in recent weeks. They are also expected to get back Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol for Friday’s game against Washington.

“If they get the right matchup in that first round, they could cause a lot of heartaches for people,� Johnson said. “You have to remember in Miami, that first year, same thing, remember? They were up and down, looked great, looked bad. Then they went all the way to the final. This team still has time to get hot and get it together.�

Johnson is an executive with the Dodgers and was visiting the team Friday in Phoenix. He is also an unpaid vice president with the Lakers.

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