Lonzo Ball's most common NBA comparisons are Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd. These are certainly big compliments, but at the same time give the Lakers rookie very big shoes to fill. Hall of Fame size shoes, to be precise. Before the start of this season, Johnson set the bar quite high for the rookie, comparing Ball to himself and suggesting he would be able to get triple-doubles like he did during summer league and deal with all the pressure of being a high draft pick in LA.

Now, James Worthy, a former teammate of Johnson during those exciting Showtime Lakers times, also weighed in on the Johnson-Ball comparisons. ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk cites Worthy:

“Big shoes to fill. But I think I totally get conceptually where Magic was coming from and the style of play that Luke [Walton] is promoting, the fast-paced game. Lonzo Ball, for sure, presents some of the talents that Magic had. Not as tall, but he is 6-6 and has the IQ, has a vision like no other.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Luka Doncic’s sends ‘speed’ message that will scare rest of NBANathan Yasis ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
LeBron James’ former teammate provides eye-opening take on GOAT debateAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·

Worthy also added it is just a matter of time players will really start recognizing Ball's elite talents. He thinks Johnson, as the Lakers' president, will be able to surround Ball with the appropriate players to maximize the team's potential:

“You look at what Magic has been able to do throughout his basketball career, [and] in his post-basketball career, he's been able to manifest pretty good deals. When Magic is in the room, that is a major asset trying to recruit.”

Everybody in LA has their fingers crossed hoping LeBron James seriously considers the Lakers as a free agency destination when his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers expires this summer. Another star with well-known interesting in playing for the Lakers is OKC Thunder forward Paul George. Before getting traded to the Thunder, George informed the Indiana Pacers front office that he was leaving as a free agent in July 2018 and expressed a strong desire to play in LA. Now, it is up to Johnson to complete the moves the team needs to return to glory.