Injury Won’t Keep Magic Out of Game at Dallas Tonight

Magic Johnson’s bruised left knee, which he hurt in Thursday night’s loss at Phoenix, isn’t believed to be a serious injury.

Laker trainer Gary Vitti said he expects Johnson to play tonight against the Dallas Mavericks at Reunion Arena.

Johnson’s left knee collided with the knee brace of the Suns’ Walter Davis in the first quarter of a 117-105 Laker defeat. A sharp edge of Davis’ brace cut Johnson’s knee. Official Paul Mihalak stopped the game and instructed Davis to cover the edge with tape.

The Lakers, who are 2-1 against Dallas this season, will finish a 12-day stretch that has included seven games, all but one on the road.

Dallas Coach Dick Motta has been experimenting with his starting lineup, using 7-0 Wallace Bryant at center and 6-9 rookie Sam Perkins at forward. When that happens, Jay Vincent comes off the bench at forward and Kurt Nimphius becomes the backup center.