Oct 8, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; President of Basketball Operations of the Los Angeles Lakers Earvin Magic Johnson speaks about the tragedy in Las Vegas before the start of a preseason game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers Legend impressed with Luka Doncic's offseason

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Keenan Womack | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The talk of the NBA right now is Luka Doncic's body transformation and how it could impact the Lakers' upcoming season. LA retooled this offseason by adding center DeAndre Ayton, forward Jake LaRavia, and guard Marcus Smart, as well as drafting Arkansas wing Adou Thiero, hopefully giving Doncic a better roster with which to work.

For as much grief as Doncic received for his poor physical shape over the last few years, it seems that he is taking it to heart. He recently appeared on the cover of Men's Health Magazine, underlining his work ethic in the gym. It hasn't gone unnoticed, particularly by Lakers legend and Hall of Fame member Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who spoke about it on Twitter/X recently.

"I love how Luka is showing his Laker teammates how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles by transforming his body!" said Johnson on social media.

I love how Luka is showing his Laker teammates how serious he is about winning a championship in Los Angeles by transforming his body! pic.twitter.com/e0qgCdthmJ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 29, 2025

Johnson is one of the all-time greats, who, along with Larry Bird, helped bring national – and international – attention to professional basketball in the 1980s. A lifetime Laker, Johnson's opinion holds weight in this conversation about dedication to the craft. Beyond that, they are both jumbo point guards, so if anyone understands how to maximize Doncic's strengths, it's Magic Johnson.

The three-time MVP and 12-time All-Star spent his entire career in Los Angeles, averaging a blistering 11.2 assists per game for his career on top of 19.5 points and 7.2 rebounds. He won five titles with the Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Now that he has the stamp of approval of a legend, it's time for Doncic to go out and prove him right.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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