Former Dallas Mavericks star ‘loves’ Luka Doncic replicating Magic Johnson’s ‘big smile’ killer instinct for LA Lakers

Tyson Chandler says Luka Doncic has a similar game to Magic Johnson

Johnson won five NBA Championships with the Lakers during their ‘Showtime’ era. There’s no doubt Magic was a phenomenal player in his prime; he had a quality that was beyond basketball.

Chandler believes it was none other than Magic’s killer smile. He apparently sees the same quality in Doncic.

“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,” Chandler told Eurohoops.

He added: “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.”

Oftentimes, fans find Doncic destroying opponents with a smile on his face. Sure, there are times when Luka gets serious, but usually the Slovenian superstar is in a happy mood.

Tyson Chandler reacts to Luka Doncic’s trade to the LA Lakers

Nico Harrison and the Mavericks have faced the wrath of NBA fans since trading Doncic to the Lakers last season.

The Mavs have defended the move by claiming it’s to immediately win an NBA Championship, but that defense has met with criticism as well.

While the trade shocked Chandler, the 2011 NBA champion believes the trade will ultimately benefit both sides in the long run.

“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,” Chandler stated.

Chandler’s thoughts likely came due to the Mavericks using the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Cooper Flagg, as the former Duke star is viewed as the next big thing in the league.