Magic Johnson’s legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers speaks volumes, and when he talks basketball, the NBA listens.
From main the Showtime period to profitable 5 championships and redefining the sport’s tempo, Johnson has been a pivotal determine in basketball historical past.
Even after retirement, he remained deeply linked to the franchise, briefly serving as crew president and taking part in a key function in bringing LeBron James to L.A. in 2018.
When Johnson declares the Luka Doncic commerce as essentially the most important celebrity swap in 45 years, it calls for consideration.
Nonetheless, although excited in regards to the transfer, Johnson didn’t shrink back from revealing potential challenges.
“Utilization fee could also be an issue for the Lakers as a result of LeBron [James], Luka and Austin [Reaves] all like to have the ball of their fingers. How will Coach JJ Reddick design an offense that retains all 3 of them comfortable?” Johnson wrote on X.
Utilization fee could also be an issue for the Lakers as a result of LeBron, Luka, and Austin all like to have the ball of their fingers. How will Coach JJ Reddick design an offense that retains all 3 of them comfortable?
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 3, 2025
Johnson’s perspective affords extra than simply surface-level evaluation.
Doncic’s conditioning has lengthy been a dialog level across the league, with the Mavericks reportedly rising annoyed by his weight fluctuations and damage historical past. This may increasingly have prompted them to commerce the celebrity whereas his market worth remained excessive.
Nonetheless, Johnson believes James might be the right mentor to remodel Doncic’s off-court method.
Often known as the gold commonplace for longevity {and professional} athlete care, James might unlock Doncic’s true potential.
Johnson understands the commerce transcends speedy competitors. It’s a strategic transfer to safe the Lakers’ future.
The potential of James, Doncic and Reaves sharing the court docket presents an thrilling and sophisticated problem.
Their particular person taking part in kinds and ball-dominant tendencies would require progressive teaching and mutual adaptation, that means Reddick’s offensive technique can be essential in harmonizing these skills.
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