NBA roundup: Magic hopes Lakers ‘lose every game’

If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to lose this season, Magic Johnson thinks they might as well lose them all. He said Tuesday that the Lakers would be better off having the NBA’s worst record in order to improve their chances for a high draft pick in 2015.

“I hope the Lakers lose every game,” the former All-Star guard said at promotional event in New York City, according to Newsday. “Because if you’re going to lose, lose. I’m serious.”

The Lakers (5-16) went into Tuesday night’s action with the fifth-worst record in the NBA and second worst in the Western Conference.

For the second year in a row, the Lakers are struggling. Last season, they finished 27-55, the worst record for an 82-game schedule in franchise history, and missed the playoffs.

—Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter was fined $25,000 on Tuesday after he threw his mouthpiece into the stands during a game against the Sacramento Kings.

Kanter was upset after he was called for traveling with 4:34 remaining in the third quarter of the Jazz’s 101-92 loss to the Kings on Monday night at Sleep Train Arena. The 22-year-old Kanter appeared to shuffle his feet while attempting to take a shot, He disagreed with the official and slammed the ball on the court before tossing his mouthpiece into the crowd. He was called for a technical.

In 21 games this season, Kanter is averaging 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds.

—Guard James Harden could be the latest addition to the Houston Rockets’ injury list.

Harden is questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors because of back spasms. The back began bothering Harden during Saturday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns and it remains “a little tight,” Harden said Tuesday.

The Rockets are without All-Star center Dwight Howard, who has a strained right knee and is not expected back against the Warriors. He has missed nine games.

Ohters injured Rockets players out indefinitely are forward Terrence Jones (left leg nerve inflammation), point guard Isaiah Canaan (left ankle sprain) and forward Kostas Papanikolaou (right knee strain). Francisco Garcia (left calf strain) is questionable for Wednesday night.