LeBron James and Steve Nash agree on the Orlando Magic after Desmond Bane trade, draw Austin Reaves comparison

LeBron James expects Orlando Magic to take ‘step forward’

James expects the Magic to improve this season because Bane will fix one of their biggest issues.

Jamahl Mosley’s team have struggled from the three-point line throughout the last four years.

However, Bane is one of the best shooters in the league and will open the floor up for Banchero and Wagner.

“The one Achilles heel last year in the postseason for Orlando and throughout the course of the regular season was their shotmaking,” James said. “They just could not make shots outside the three-point line consistently all year.

“We know how dynamic Paulo is; we know how dynamic Franz is, but three-point shooting means a lot in our league today. Adding Desmond Bane, who throughout his career has been a knockdown shooter and can also get into the lane and make plays, adds a dynamic.

“We’ll see how it all comes together, but they’re another sleeper as well. I think they can make another step forward. We’ll see how far.”

It can be difficult for teams to find chemistry when a star player joins, but James has faith in Mosley to work things out.

“I love Mo too. Coach Mo is great,” he added. “He’s done a great job since he got there, so I think they’ll figure it out. When you ride for your head coach, I think you are able to make things happen.”

Steve Nash compares Desmond Bane to Austin Reaves

Steve Nash compared the Magic’s big three to the Los Angeles Lakers’ (James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves).

Most NBA teams do not have three quality defenders, so Bane should face some easier matchups, like Reaves does in LA.

“I do think Desmond Bane is going to be a huge asset, not just with the shooting,” Nash explained. “I like him in ball screens. I know maybe he’s not rated highly as a defender, but I think he’s capable and physical.

“I think the key for Orlando in many ways is going to be how they can incorporate those three guys together. Like [James and Doncic], Paulo and Franz are going to draw the toughest assignments.

“Bringing Desmond in like AR, who’s a terrific offensive player, maybe brings in the third defender. How can they get really effective and efficient using all three of those guys in action?”