Crossword Genius

Lake city in USA - really? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lagoon

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lake' is the definition.
(lagoon is a kind of lake)

'city in usa really?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'city' could be 'la' (Los Angeles) and 'la' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'goon' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lagoon that I've seen before include "... separating off this water?" , "A salt-water lake in the sea" , "Salt water lake enclosed by coral or sand" , "Body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef" , "Coastal lake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app