Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after fouling a Houston Rockets player in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson Reacts to Kevin Durant Trade to Rockets

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 11:11 AM ET

The first big trade of the offseason happened on Sunday afternoon with Kevin Durant moving to the Houston Rockets. Durant is the biggest domino to fall so far.

He was one of the players whom everyone was waiting to be moved. Now that he is gone, other teams can start making offseason plans for other teams. That includes the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the Lakers won't be pursuing any of the big fish out there in a trade, they can start making moves in reaction to Durant being moved to Houston.

Former Lakers legend Magic Johnson reacted to the trade in the only way he can. He put his thoughts on social media about what could be one of the biggest trades this summer.

Two-time NBA Champion and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant being traded to Houston will make Rockets one of the favorites in West next season.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 22, 2025

Johnson believes that the Rockets will now compete for the Western Conference title next season with Durant on the team. They were already the second seed in the West this season.

It was clear that the Rockets were too young to be ready for everything that they had ahead of them in the playoffs. They needed another veteran to help them make the leap.

Houston is hoping that Durant can help them. The Lakers were the third seed in the West this season, so they can't be thrilled that's where he ended up. They were hoping he was going to be in the East.

Instead, Durant makes an already good Rockets team even better. The Lakers have to figure out what they are going to do in order to respond to that, because Houston is a really good team.

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Johnson likes the entire NBA, so he keeps up with everything that happens in the league. Johnson used to be involved with the organization with decision-making, but that is no longer the case.

The Lakers will now have to deal with Durant one fewer time this season. Now that he is out of their division, they don't have to deal with his scoring anymore.

Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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