Both Cooper, Magic Will Miss Next Two Laker Games
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PHOENIX — With two lottery teams as opponents this weekend, the Lakers are taking no chances with either Magic Johnson or Michael Cooper. They’ll leave both players home when they board a plane to fly here for a game tonight against Phoenix, as well as Sunday’s game in Oakland against Golden State.
Johnson hasn’t played since straining a groin muscle in the first quarter of the Lakers’ 128-107 loss to the Bulls in Chicago on March 10. The Lakers have won just one of three games since--they beat New Jersey but were blown out by Dallas and, last Tuesday night at Portland, by the Trail Blazers, 112-95.
Johnson had hoped to return tonight against the Suns, but his return will be postponed until at least next Tuesday night, when the Lakers face Houston at the Forum.
Cooper had missed a dozen games since spraining his left ankle on Feb. 18 against the Rockets. He returned Monday against New Jersey, scoring four points in 27 minutes. The next night in Portland, he appeared to aggravate the injury and his shooting was far off the mark. He made just 4 of 13 shots, most of the misses hitting the front rim.
Cooper was re-examined by Dr. Robert Kerlan when the team returned to Los Angeles, and the decision was made to keep him home.
Wes Matthews, who played just 13 minutes Tuesday night, and Milt Wagner will see plenty of action in the absence of the Laker regulars.
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