“They Have Not Been Attacking” - Los Angeles Lakers Not Aggressive in the NBA Trade Market Enough 3 Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

'European Version of Magic Johnson' – Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic Draws Interesting Comparison From Former Dallas Mavericks Big

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:10 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic was recently compared to Magic Johnson by former NBA center Tyson Chandler, who worked as a development coach for the Dallas Mavericks.

Speaking at the 22nd Basketball Without Borders Europe camp, Chandler also shared his thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers trading for the Slovenian guard last February.

“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. He’s just such a joy to watch, and I love watching him. Nothing but great things to say about Luka.” Chandler said via Eurohoops.net.

Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives past Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

“I was just as surprised as the rest of the world with the trade. I think it will end up working out for both sides, you know, in the long run. But I was just surprised, clearly,” he continued.

Los Angeles Lakers News: Luka Doncic receives positive injury update ahead of FIBA EuroBasket

Los Angeles Lakers supporters held their collective breath when Luka Doncic hurt his knee during Slovenia’s tuneup game against Latvia after a teammate inadvertently fell on his leg.

Mar 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

According to reports, Doncic should be ready to go with no minutes restrictions when Slovenia faces Great Britain on Tuesday, which is great news for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his previous match against Latvia, Doncic recorded 26 points, four rebounds, and five assists on 67 percent shooting from the field.