Magic Johnson was primarily responsible for LeBron James becoming a Laker in 2018 as one of the main recruiters of the start. However, internal politicking sent Johnson away from the team and he wasn’t a part of the organization when they won the 2020 Championship.
However, LeBron and other people close to the team have continued holding Magic in high regard. Johnson is a vocal supporter and critic of the team, though this season has seen more criticisms than anything else. With the Lakers pulling off a strong win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Magic finally had something to celebrate.
The team has shown renewed energy and commitment on the court since their OT win over the Toronto Raptors in the last week. With the Lakers looking to lock up a play-in spot and Anthony Davis aiming to come back before the season ends, Magic Johnson took to Twitter to point out some positives in the team.
If the @Lakers play with this type of effort, speed and quickness on defense and offense, I think we could have a good playoff run. Especially with Anthony Davis coming back!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 22, 2022
The Lakers have been holding out to a lot of hope all season. Anthony Davis has been a fork over them all season long, with the star big man struggling with health for the past two seasons. The one season the Lakers had a healthy AD, they won the championship.
LeBron James is continuing to over-perform in one of the most stunning individual seasons we have ever seen for a player with the miles that LeBron has. He led from the front against the Cavaliers, as he has been doing through this entire season for the Lakers.
Russell Westbrook is looking more motivated and has had a string of solid performances. The defense of the team is still not up to par, but the added effort from the players has been making a difference. The Lakers’ offense is capable of doing a lot, but if Davis can come back and anchor the defense down, nobody will want to see the Lakers in the play-in, regular season be damned.
