Magic Johnson Wants the Los Angeles Lakers to Completely Tank

The Lakers' 27-55 record in 2014 represented the worst season in franchise history. And now Lakers great Magic Johnson says he wants his former team to get even worse. A lot worse.

"I hope the Lakers lose every game," Johnson told Newsday. "Because if you're going to lose, lose. I'm serious."

Johnson's cryptic statement really means he wants the Lakers to get bad enough to put themselves in a position to get better. A bad record means a better chance at high picks in the NBA Draft.

The Lakers are currently stumbling through a 5-16 start and sit next to last in the Western Conference.

"If you're going to lose, you have to lose, because you can't be in the middle of the pack," Johnson said. "You either have to be great or you have to be bad, to get a good [draft] pick."

ESPN reports the Lakers have only four players with guaranteed contracts for beyond this season: Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, Nick Young and Ryan Kelly. At $25 million per year, Bryant is the only one making serious money. Meaning the Lakers have the means to improve.

Johnson, who was recently honored by Sports Illustrated for decades of promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, also said he wants the New York Knicks to tank.

"If I'm a Knick fan, I'm very happy, because I'm looking toward the future, because this thing can change in the summer just like that," Johnson told Newsday. "One or two guys, whether that's through free agency or through trades, at least you have the cap space to make some things happen where before you were over the cap and had a bad time. Now you're really upset because you can't maneuver.

"The Lakers are in a good space, too, next summer if they can sign or trade for a talented guy," he continued. "I'd rather be all the way bad than be in the middle."