Magic Johnson admits disappointment at Lakers loss of Garnett

In an Aug. 4 interview with Magic Johnson, the former Los Angeles Lakers basketball phenomenon, the retired pro told Yahoo Sports that he was disappointed with the team’s loss of Kevin Garnett to the Celtics. Garnett, a former Minnesota Timberwolves forward, was traded to the Celtics earlier this month, which came as a shock to many Lakers fans who were hoping the talented player would end up in Los Angeles this season. The trade also came as a shock to Johnson, he said. “Of course we were after him for what’s been like forever and of course we are disappointed as an organization because at one time we did have him, it seemed like,” Johnson said. “But that deal didn’t go through and that’s life. That’s how it goes. Congratulations to the Celtics - they did a wonderful job for not only getting Kevin but for getting Ray Allen. You know, you lose out on one but hopefully you get someone else.We have to move on - we can’t dwell on something that didn’t happen. Now we have to look for someone else to help the team.”

Johnson also stated that he hopes to sign several more players before training camp starts for the team Oct. 3 for the 2007-2008 season and commented that Kobe Bryant, the Lakers’ MVP scoring foward, is doing great and looking forward to the Dream Team and USA Basketball. “Kobe wants to make sure we qualify in Las Vegas and see if there are any more moves we can make before training camp,” Johnson said in the interview. When asked what Bryant’s reaction was to the Garnett trade, Johnson said: “We were all disappointed - I’m sure he was, too.” On the bright side, Johnson said he was happy with the team’s recent acquisition and has high hopes the Lakers will continue down that path of success. For Lakers tickets, visit www.StubHub.com.

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