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The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to re-enter the title discussion in 2025-26 with a motivated Luka Doncic, who recently signed an extension with the franchise. Doncic unveiled his weight loss in photos revealed by Men's Health Magazine earlier this summer, which could be a huge development for a Los Angeles team that hasn't won a game past the second round since their 2020 championship.
For all of his otherworldly talents, Doncic's most impressive skill is considered by most to be his passing, which has drawn him comparisons to Lakers legend Magic Johnson over the years.
Recently, Dallas Mavericks 2011 NBA champion and coach Tyson Chandler doubled down on those similarities.
“I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson,” said Chandler, per Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops.net. “This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic was the older generation of somebody with a smile that was the killer. They’d come out there and destroy you, win games, but with a big smile. He’s just such a joy to watch, and I love watching him. Nothing but great things to say about Luka.”
Chandler also spoke on his reaction when he heard the news that Doncic was shockingly being traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers.
“I was just as surprised as the rest of the world with the trade. I think it will end up working out for both sides, you know, in the long run. But I was just surprised, clearly,” he said.
A big year for the Lakers
Many skeptics still don't think that the Los Angeles Lakers have enough depth, particularly in their frontcourt, to truly compete with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
However, a well-conditioned Luka Doncic could change that, as his habit of running out of gas down the stretch of close playoff games would no longer be a factor for Los Angeles.
In any case, the Lakers are set to kick off their 2025-26 season at home against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
