Magic Johnson Compares Luka Doncic to Shohei Ohtani After Blockbuster Lakers Trade
The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade has sent shockwaves through the NBA, with basketball legends weighing in on the stunning deal. One of the most notable voices in the conversation is Magic Johnson, who couldn’t contain his excitement about Doncic joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson compared Doncic’s arrival in LA to baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani signing with the Dodgers, stating:
“Luka Doncic going to the Lakers is amazing for the NBA, just like Shohei Ohtani was when we signed him to the Dodgers! I want to congratulate Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka for bringing Luka Doncic to LA to play for our beloved Lakers!”
Magic Johnson on Luka Doncic’s Impact on the Lakers
Johnson continued his praise, emphasizing Doncic’s ability to transform the Lakers into a championship-contending team. However, he also made a subtle remark about Doncic’s conditioning, which had been a concern for the Dallas Mavericks:
“Luka Doncic will definitely make the Lakers a championship-contending team. He’ll take pressure off LeBron because of his scoring ability and playmaking and will make every Laker better! LeBron James will be a positive influence on Luka, teaching him his championship mentality that includes taking his conditioning seriously.”
This comment hints at previous reports that the Mavericks hesitated to commit to a supermax extension due to concerns over Doncic’s conditioning. However, with LeBron James mentoring him, Johnson believes Luka is in the perfect position to thrive.
Magic Johnson Calls Doncic-AD Trade the Biggest in NBA History
Johnson, who has seen countless major trades during his 45 years in the NBA, was stunned by the magnitude of this deal.
“I’ve been associated with the NBA for 45 years, and this Luka and AD trade is the biggest trade I’ve seen between two superstars essentially in their prime! With Luka, the Lakers are getting a 25-year-old superstar; this is a great long-term move for the Lakers franchise after LeBron retires.”
For a five-time NBA champion to declare this trade as the biggest he has ever witnessed speaks volumes about its significance.
Luka Doncic Joins Lakers’ Storied Legacy
The Lakers, currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a 28-19 record, are looking to reclaim championship glory. Doncic now follows in the footsteps of legendary Lakers guards and wings, including Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
At just 25 years old (turning 26 on February 28), Doncic has the potential to lead the Lakers for the next decade and cement his legacy by bringing another championship to Los Angeles.
Doncic’s Impressive Stats & Legacy
This season, Luka Doncic is averaging:
- 28.1 points
- 8.3 rebounds
- 7.8 assists
- 2.0 steals
Last season, he led the league in scoring with 33.9 points per game and carried the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.
Doncic also ranks:
- 3rd all-time in NBA regular-season scoring average (behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain)
- 2nd all-time in playoff scoring average (behind only Michael Jordan)
Now, as the newest Lakers superstar, he has a chance to build upon his legacy on the grandest stage in basketball.
Final Thoughts
Magic Johnson’s excitement over Luka Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles mirrors the anticipation of Lakers fans worldwide. With LeBron James guiding him and a championship-caliber roster around him, Doncic has the opportunity to bring a new era of success to the Lakers.
Can Doncic be the next Lakers legend? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the NBA has never been more electrifying.
