homepage / Sports Home / Magic Johnson Advises Lakers: LeBron Once Led Team to Championship, Hopes Dončić Can Do the Same—Nee

Magic Johnson Advises Lakers: LeBron Once Led Team to Championship, Hopes Dončić Can Do the Same—Nee

fan
fan管理员
650
Magic Johnson Advises Lakers: LeBron Led Them to a Title, Hope Dončić Can Do the Same—Must Upgrade Interior


The Lakers were eliminated 1-4 by the Timberwolves in this year’s first-round playoffs, and team legend Magic Johnson recently discussed the franchise on Get Up. Johnson stated that since LeBron James has led the team to a championship, he hopes Luka Dončić can achieve the same, while urging the Lakers to upgrade their interior and defense—specifically noting he warned them against losing both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso.

Magic Johnson Advises Lakers: LeBron Once Led Team to Championship, Hopes Dončić Can Do the Same—Nee Lakers Needs Interior Upgrade 第1张



The Lakers’ last championship came in the 2020 season, when LeBron and Anthony Davis led the team to a bubble title, ending a 10-year drought. Last season, the Lakers traded for Dončić mid-year; he and LeBron guided them to the No. 3 seed in the regular season, but they were swept in the first round by Minnesota.


With LeBron aging, Dončić has become the young core expected to be the Lakers’ face for the next decade. Partnering with LeBron in the twilight of his prime, Dončić shoulders the championship burden.


“JJ Redick has done a great job—he’s made everyone on the Lakers visible, but they need to get better to contend,” Magic said. “I’m glad Dončić listens to Redick; he looks great now, and others need to follow suit.”

Magic Johnson Advises Lakers: LeBron Once Led Team to Championship, Hopes Dončić Can Do the Same—Nee Lakers Needs Interior Upgrade 第2张

“Dončić was exceptional with the Mavs, but the difference here is that in L.A., we expect you to lead us to titles. LeBron did it (in 2020), and we hope Luka can too.”


“To unlock Dončić’s best, GM Rob Pelinka must improve the roster. They need to sign an interior player this summer and upgrade the bench. The Lakers play too slowly—Minnesota’s energy overwhelmed them. When opponents isololate, they’re facing Dončić and Austin Reaves on D. Without defensive upgrades, they can’t win it all.”

Magic Johnson Advises Lakers: LeBron Once Led Team to Championship, Hopes Dončić Can Do the Same—Nee Lakers Needs Interior Upgrade 第3张

Magic also lamented losing 3-and-D specialists Pope and Caruso (now with OKC): “The biggest blow was losing Pope and Caruso, our best on-ball defenders. I told the Lakers: if Pope leaves for a big deal, that’s inevitable, but keep Caruso—don’t lose both. Instead, they gave $9M to Talen Horton-Tucker over Caruso, and that backfired. Who leads their defense now?”


How the Lakers upgrade this offseason will determine if Dončić and LeBron can chase a championship next season.


Lakers
Sports Home
0

Related articles

make a comment

Latest articles