Lakers legend Magic opines on Doncic “biggest” trade

Earvin Magic Johnson, the NBA and Los Angeles Lakers icon, has expressed his excitement over Luka Doncic’s arrival in purple and gold following a historic and shocking trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.

“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,” he wrote on X.

Magic is confident that Doncic will make the Lakers a championship contender and believes he will also take pressure off LeBron due to his ability to score and facilitate, making every player on the team better. “LeBron James will be a positive influence on Luka, teaching him his championship mentality that includes taking his conditioning seriously,” he added.

The five-time NBA champion also admitted his excitement at seeing two extraordinary players – LeBron and Doncic - share the court in Lakers colors. “You know I love assists, and with LeBron and Luka teaming up, I get to watch two of the best passers that have ever played on the same team! I can hardly wait to see Luka in a Lakers jersey in Crypto arena! Laker Nation, get ready!” he said.

“Luka Doncic going to the Lakers is amazing for the NBA, just like Shohei Ohtani was when we signed him to the Dodgers!” Johnson added, before congratulating Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka for pulling off the move. Doncic has often been compared to Magic himself due to his style of play and exceptional talent – reminiscent of the Lakers’ Showtime era in the 1980s.

At the same time, Magic also took a moment to acknowledge Davis’ contributions to the Lakers, thanking him for his years of service, including the championship he won alongside LeBron in the 2020 bubble. “Laker Nation, we have to thank AD for his five and a half seasons including a championship in 2020. AD was having a MVP season which will make Dallas better and he can go back to his natural position of playing the 4,” he said, paying tribute to a star who helped bring a title to Los Angeles but became the biggest casualty of a trade that has shaken the NBA to its core.

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