One Lakers legend isn't too happy about what he's seeing from his old team.
Los Angeles has gotten off to a bumpy start this season, dropping back-to-back home games against Golden State and Phoenix. In Friday's loss to the Suns, the Lakers trailed by as many as 32 points in the third quarter, ultimately falling 115-105.
MORE: Why Dwight Howard was major snub on NBA 75 list
But the team's uninspiring performance wasn't the only concern. Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard had a heated confrontation near the Lakers' bench during a second-quarter timeout. Davis and Howard exchanged words, and after Davis appeared to grab Howard's arm, they had to be separated by teammates.
More complete video of Howard-Davis altercation, starting from walking off the court when the timeout is called. pic.twitter.com/3JQ7FaTWtb
— Matt Petersen (@TheMattPetersen) October 23, 2021
Magic Johnson expressed his frustration on Twitter, calling out the Lakers for the overall state of the team as well as the Davis-Howard altercation.
"In my 42 years of being associated with the Lakers organization, I've never seen something like that," Johnson tweeted.
The @Lakers have a team issue and basketball issue.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 23, 2021
Dwight Howard and AD got into a physical altercation on the bench…in my 42 years of being associated with the Lakers organization, I’ve never seen something like that smh
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 23, 2021
Davis and Howard both downplayed the incident after the game. Davis, who had 22 points and 14 rebounds in the loss, told reporters that he was arguing with Howard about a defensive pick-and-roll coverage. Howard said that the two big men "squashed it right then and there."
"We're very passionate about winning," Howard said. "We didn't want to lose this game. So, we both were just very passionate. We got it out of the way. We're grown men. Things happen. But we already talked, squashed it. There's no issues between me and him. That's my brother. That's my teammate. That's what I told him.
"I said, 'I'll always be here for you. No matter what. I'll always fight for you, do whatever I can to help this team win.' He said the same thing. So, we're good. We squashed it. There's no need to try to make it bigger than something else."
Dwight Howard said that he and Anthony Davis squashed their spat on the sideline right after it happened. pic.twitter.com/qvZDF6dgPY
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) October 23, 2021
The Lakers will look to capture their first win of the season on Sunday night against the Grizzlies.
