Magic Johnson Points Out Key Concern as Lakers Prepare for Tough OKC Series

Magic Johnson (Image Credits: Imagn)

Magic Johnson Points Out Key Concern as Lakers Prepare for Tough OKC Series

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated May 5, 2026 2:55 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers were given just a 9% chance to win their second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Clearly, former Lakers great Magic Johnson knows that the odds are stacked against them.

With Luka Doncic’s slow recovery, much of the team’s offense will rely on the shoulder of LeBron James and Austin Reaves. But if LA wants to win in this series, the team needs other guys to step up. That means guys like Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Deandre Ayton need to bring their A-game. And for Magic, he wants everybody in the Lakers to lock in and play at their highest level.

“My Lakers have an uphill battle going against the reigning World Champions OKC and SGA, who in my mind was the MVP of the First Round of the Playoffs! To beat OKC, we have to find a way to not turn the ball over as much as we did against the Rockets and play great on both ends of the floor – so who’s going to step up and provide scoring to help LeBron and Austin?” Magic Johnson wrote on X.

My Lakers have an uphill battle going against the reigning World Champions OKC and SGA, who in my mind was the MVP of the First Round of the Playoffs! To beat OKC, we have to find a way to not turn the ball over as much as we did against the Rockets and play great on both ends of…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 4, 2026

“One thing we all know is OKC can score the basketball, so the Lakers are going to have to play some of their best basketball!” he added.

Most pundits predict that the best the Lakers could do is win one game. Some even say that this series will be a sweep, and OKC might not even break a sweat. However, at this stage of his career, it’s hard to doubt LeBron James’ brilliance. Maybe, just maybe, this may not become a lopsided series and could be a competitive one.

Magic Johnson Has A Clear Choice For The GOAT Debate

The ‘greatest of all time’ debate has been the talk of the basketball world recently. With LeBron James doing insane things at 41, some media personalities are vouching for his name at the top. But if you ask Magic, while he said he loves LeBron, his vote will always be for Michael Jordan.

Magic Johnson (Image Credits: Imagn)

“I’m always going to be honest with myself. The only thing I beat Michael in is them no-look passes and leadership. Ain’t no question. Just like it ain’t no question what he going to do to me dunks and all that. But that’s what makes him a bad boy. The best that’s ever done it. Don’t get it twisted. I love LeBron. But When Michael Jordan took off with that tongue out, Man!” Magic Johnson said.

There are no right or wrong answers with this one. The debate is beyond statistics at this point. Old heads often lean to Mike, while newer players go with LeBron. Magic’s statement does carry some weight because he played with and against Jordan.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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