Los Angeles Lakers' Russell Westbrook says no reaction after Magic Johnson rips team's effort

1:45 AM

The Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday was the second-biggest defeat of James' 19-year career.

Magic Johnson, who has 5.1 million followers, said that Lakers fans can accept being outplayed, but they deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of urgency. "You deserve better."

James, who had a team-high 25 points and nine rebound, but shot 9-for-23 (including 2-for-8 from 3), left the arena without speaking to reporters. Russell was asked about Johnson's post.

"I don't have a reaction," said the man who scored 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting, an improvement from his recent shooting slump. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Regardless of what it is. You can either take it and run with it or you can put it in one ear and not respond to it.

Magic is entitled to his opinion. He's not here every day. He's not with us every day. He's trying to figure out what's going on with us. I don't have a response to that. Everyone in this world is entitled to their opinion.

Howard, who started at center and proved no match for Jokic, echoed the sentiment about Johnson. Howard said it was telling that the former Lakers great was offering his critique online and not in person by visiting the team's practice facility when he spoke to a small group of reporters.

The two disagreed with Johnson's method of delivery, but they seemed to agree with his message.

L.A.'s lack of effort was called out by the fact that it was outrebounded 51-41 and allowed the Nuggets to shoot 23 for 40 from 3-point range.

"We have to play hard," he said. The schemes and how you play don't really matter sometimes. Sometimes you have to play hard. The teams are playing harder than us.

Howard backed up.

I can't really say much about it. Howard said they've been saying it all year. I shouldn't have to keep saying that. He's right.

The biggest loss of James' career came in his first season with the Lakers, when they were beaten by 42 points by the Indiana Pacers.

James' streak of making the playoffs was snapped as the Lakers finished 37-45.

The Lakers lost for the third time in a row on Saturday, dropping them to 21-22. This is the first time since James' first year that his team has been below.500 at the end of the season.

Howard said that you can't stop believing that you're going to win. We know we've put ourselves in a tough situation, but we just have to stay positive and keep playing.