Magic Johnson on what the Lakers need to do this offseason
Magic Johnson on what the Lakers need to do this offseason
Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson is never shy about voicing his opinions, especially when it comes to the Purple and Gold. Even after all these years and numerous business ventures, which include being a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Commanders, his heart remains with the Purple and Gold.
The Lakers have a chance to become legitimate championship contenders this summer if they make the right moves. They have a championship-caliber core that consists of roughly five players, and they just need a couple more, including a starting-level center and possibly a two-way wing or backcourt player.
During an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up," Johnson made it clear what the franchise must do this offseason to get to where it wants to be.
'We need a big man and so hopefully we'll be able to get a big man during this offseason,' he said. 'I think we must improve the bench as well, and so Rob [Pelinka] will have a chance to do that as well. We gotta get faster. Right now, the Lakers are too slow and Minnesota really exposed the Lakers. When they had individual matchups, they went at Luka [Doncic] and they went at Austin Reaves, so they must improve the defense. If they don't improve the defense, it's no way the Lakers can win a championship.'
Defense and athleticism are two areas in which L.A.'s current roster is deficient, especially in the backcourt. Plenty of people are skeptical that a team with a starting backcourt of Doncic and Reaves, both of whom are relatively unathletic and weak defenders, can win it all.
One thing this year's playoffs have proven is that speed, athleticism and depth are integral for making a deep run and having a real shot at a championship. It is up to Pelinka and crew to use their limited resources to buttress the roster and put it in position to claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy next summer.
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