Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Former Lakers Big Man Compares Luka Doncic to LA Hall of Famer

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers made the trade for Luka Doncic last season because they thought he was one of the best players in the league. It was a very easy decision to bring him to Los Angeles.

Doncic hasn't finished a season in which he has been fully in shape yet, which means he has only scratched the surface of his potential. He still has another level he can reach.

Doncic is a very good player and has already garnered some comparisons to all-time greats. One former player actually com pared Doncic to one of the greatest Lakers players in history.

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Tyson Chandler compares Lakers' Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson

Former center Tyson Chandler gave Doncic the ultimate comparison. He compared Doncic to all-time Lakers legend Magic Johnson. He made that comparison while speaking with EuroHoops.

"I would always call in Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson. This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic is 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 such a joy to watch, and I love watching him. Nothing but great things to say about Luka."

That's some very high praise for someone to give a current Lakers player. Johnson isn't just one of the greatest Lakers of all-time, but he's one of the best players to ever play in the NBA.

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Luka Doncic has a lot to live up to while with the Lakers

Doncic will have a lot to live up to now that he's with the Lakers for the next few years. He's a really good player already, but being compared to Magic puts him at a whole new level.

Doncic doesn't have the same kind of defensive skills or rebounding skills that Johnson had, but he's every bit as good a passer. He's arguably a better scorer than Johnson was, too.

This past season with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He shot 43.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.