Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is quite optimistic about his former team after they dismantled the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 22.
After the Lakers blew out the Nuggets in Denver, Johnson took to his X account to express his belief in the Lakers’ playoff chances with LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the way. He didn’t single out just them.
Magic Johnson Believes Lakers Have ‘Real Shot’ at Extensive Playoff Run
After the Lakers sealed the deal against the Nuggets, Johnson explained why the Lakers could go on an extensive playoff run and shouted out James, Dončić, and other Lakers’ personnel.
“Big win for the Lakers tonight! This game proves that Luka, LeBron, and [Austin] Reaves can thrive in JJ Redick’s offense— and Rui [Hachimura] helped out a lot tonight, too. It was a great performance on both ends of the court. If the Lakers keep this up, they have a real shot at playing in the Western Conference Finals!” Johnson wrote.
Johnson is one of the best Lakers of all time and even assisted in the front office. While it has been a while, he will express his optimism about the Lakers whenever he has the chance. Beating a team like the Nuggets is a great time to signal his confidence in them.
When the Lakers enter the postseason, the Nuggets will be among their strongest competition in the Western Conference. Beating them with their new-look team is a good sign for their playoff chances.
They won’t be the only competition in the conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder will also be among their toughest competition, and the Memphis Grizzlies aren’t too far behind them. The Lakers also aren’t the only ones who reloaded at the trade deadline.
The Golden State Warriors added a big name at the deadline with Jimmy Butler, and they have looked good since then. Nonetheless, the Lakers clearly got their sign of confidence from one of their most esteemed alumni—not to mention an NBA icon.
Granted, the Lakers will want their season to go further than the Western Conference Finals. However, it bodes well for their season that they’re showing they can go up against the best of the best in the West. Especially when the team they just beat is the one responsible for ousting them in the postseason over the last two years.
