While Luka Doncic had consistently excelled with the Dallas Mavericks, concerns arose about his physical readiness when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Slovenian star swiftly returned to peak condition, becoming the top scorer on JJ Redick’s roster. This impressive turnaround even prompted a 2011 NBA champion to draw comparisons between Doncic and a legendary figure within the franchise.
“Luka was one of the best players I’ve ever seen on the court and in practice… I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson. This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic was the older generation of somebody with a smile that was the killer. They’d come out there and destroy you, win games, but with a big smile,” Tyson Chandler said, via 22nd Basketball Without Borders camp.
Many might argue that comparing Luka to Magic is excessive, given Johnson’s five NBA championships and three MVP awards achieved alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Larry Bird. Nonetheless, Doncic mirrors Magic’s ability to handle the ball and deliver awe-inspiring passes. Moreover, both players effortlessly influence every aspect of the game, highlighting their unmistakable similarities.
Luka Doncic’s scoring prowess sets him apart from Magic Johnson. In his seven-year NBA career, the Slovenian star has averaged an impressive 28.6 points per game, overshadowing the Lakers legend’s 19.5 points. This difference does not imply superior talent for Doncic; instead, it highlights their unique specialties. Johnson carved his niche with a staggering 11.2 assists per game, establishing records along the way, while Luka contributes a solid 8.2 assists per game.
The Lakers have decidedly made Luka Doncic their cornerstone player, surrounding him with pivotal teammates such as Marcus Smart for defensive prowess and Deandre Ayton at center to amplify his offensive power. With a noticeable physical transformation and the confidence instilled by head coach JJ Redick, he has reclaimed the spotlight that seemed dim after his departure from the Mavericks.
With a promising career trajectory, the Slovenian star stands poised to etch his name into Lakers history, aiming to forge a legacy comparable to that of the legendary Magic Johnson, not an easy task. Determined to achieve this, he has even proactively refined his leadership style, drawing praise from a teammate at the 2025 EuroBasket.