Lakers Legend Claims Knicks Lost ‘Swagger' After Roster Move
The New York Knicks just enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent memory after making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Unfortunately for them, they faced off against a familiar opponent: the Indiana Pacers.
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Not only was it the ninth time the two sides had met in the NBA Playoffs, but it also marked the second consecutive year that the Pacers had eliminated the Knicks.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43).Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Lakers legend claims Knicks lost their "swagger"
While some would consider this season a success for the Knicks, the team's upper management didn't share the same view, as they chose to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau shortly after the team's playoff exit. The team faces uncertainty at the position, considering nearly every request for an interview they've sent out has been denied.
Following the team's playoff exit, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson made a bold claim regarding the team, stating that he believes they lost their swagger after trading Donte DiVincenzo as part of the deal for Karl-Anthony Towns, on ESPN's "Get Up."
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'The swagger left the Knicks when [DiVincenzo] got traded, and they don't have that swagger again,' Johnson said. 'See, they got nice guys, but they don't have tough, mean guys, and that's what Donte brought to the table.
'I love what Donte brought from the bench when he came on the floor, and New York Knicks fans loved him because he was tough, he was mean, but also he could score."
The Knicks, perhaps more than any team, rely on their starters for much of their production. While players like Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride could come in for sparing minutes, they clearly weren't the same team as they were the season before.
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Instead, they were more top-heavy, leaning on players like Jalen Brunson and Towns, especially if it was an off night for Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby.
There has been considerable speculation about the moves the Knicks will make this summer, including whether they will trade Towns after just one season. With an evident championship-or-bust mentality going into next season, this offseason will be a telling one for the Knicks.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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