The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping expectations sky-high for Luka Doncic’s upcoming season, especially following last year’s performance with the Dallas Mavericks. The Slovenian star has been seen training intensely this offseason, a sign that he understands the stakes. Now wearing purple and gold, Doncic steps into a franchise defined by greatness—led most recently by LeBron James. Lakers legend Magic Johnson wasted no time reminding Doncic that the pressure is different in Los Angeles.
In a recent appearance on ESPN, Magic delivered a clear message for the Lakers’ new superstar. “It’s great what you did in Dallas. But the difference is, in Los Angeles, we expect championships. And we expect our superstars to lead us to a championship. LeBron has already done that. Now we want Luka to do the same thing,” Johnson said.
Magic also commented on Doncic’s physical condition, which has been a topic of discussion in recent years. “They have to be in better conditioning to win an NBA championship,” he added. “I’m glad that Luka listened to JJ. Look at him—he looks great right now. And the rest of the Lakers have to do the same.”
Johnson’s remarks echo what many within the Lakers organization believe: Doncic wasn’t acquired just to be a star—he was brought in to be the face of future championship runs. A title for Doncic would solidify his legacy, while also extending the Lakers’ dominance and prestige as one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
But Magic didn’t stop there. He also addressed what went wrong during the Lakers’ recent playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Specifically, he cited defensive issues involving both Doncic and fellow guard Austin Reaves, suggesting those flaws must be corrected.
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“Minnesota really exposed the Lakers,” Johnson said. “When they had individual matchups, they went at Luka and they went at Austin Reaves. So they must improve the defense. If they don’t improve the defense, there’s no way the Lakers can win the championship.”
Doncic, for his part, has responded to the ongoing criticism of his defensive play. Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast, he emphasized the importance of understanding one’s role. “One more important thing for guys is—know your role. Know what you do good and do that. Don’t do something that you’re not good at. It’s not going to help,” the Lakers star explained.
Even NBA legend Steve Nash weighed in, supporting Doncic’s mindset. “Such an important part of winning teams is knowing your role. Starring in your role. Being good at your role. When guys start to have the wrong perspective of their role, play outside themselves, the team is going down the other way,” Nash said during the same podcast appearance.
As training camp approaches, the debate continues: Is Doncic right to double down on strengths over weaknesses? Or does Magic Johnson have a point about elevating expectations, especially in L.A.? Either way, all eyes will be on the Lakers as they begin what could be a defining season for their newest superstar.
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