The legendary Michael Johnson has commented on his previous National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and not in a flattering way. He says they should get serious about losing and hope they lose every game.

Johnson spoke at a promotional event Tuesday in New York City. He said that he wanted his former team to lose enough games to contend for a high lottery pick in next year's NBA draft.

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

The Lakers entered their game against the Sacramento Kings with the second-worst record in the Western Conference, and the fifth-worst in the NBA.

However, that didn't stop Kobe Bryant from doing what he does best. He scored nine of his 32 points in the final three minutes of the game and led the Lakers to a comeback for a 98-95 vicotry.

Carlos Boozer contributed 15 points for the Lakers who just snapped their three-game skid by rallying from a 12-point deficit in the second half.

Head Coach Byron Scott did not agree so much though with what Johnson's statement.

He said that it is a really easy thing to say when you are out looking in, but when you are in the trenches and coaching, it isn't something one really wants to do.

"And I don't think our players look at it that way. We've got to go out here and try to win every game possible. If you lose games, it's one thing, but to go out and try to lose, that's a different story. I think that sends a message to those guys in there."

The Lakers' terrible start to the current season comes on the heels of last season's 27-55 record. It was the worst 82-game record in Lakers franchise history.

TagsMagic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, Lose