Magic Works Out and May Play for Lakers Against Pistons Today

Magic Johnson, who missed the last Laker game because of a bruised right knee, practiced Saturday and is listed as probable for today’s game with the Detroit Pistons.

Channel 2 will televise the game at 9 a.m. PST.

The Pistons are coming into the Silverdome with a couple of changes. They have won two consecutive games, the first t i me since late November that they have done that.

Piston Coach Chuck Daly has also made some lineup changes. Rookie Joe Dumars starts at the off guard instead of John Long, and Kent Benson has moved into the power forward spot replacing Rick Mahorn.

The Lakers are beginning their three-game trip without Kurt Rambis, who remained at home to try to recover from nagging injuries to his left foot and ankle that caused him to miss Thursday night’s victory over the Clippers in the Forum.

X-rays of Rambis’ foot last week showed no break, and the Lakers are now hoping that giving him rest will be enough to help him recover. Maurice Lucas will start in place of Rambis at power forward.

Detroit, which is a disappointing 18-21, lost, 132-119, to the Lakers Dec. 15 in the Forum. In 84-85, the Pistons handed the Lakers their worst defeat of the season, 121-98.