Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is disappointed that Kawhi Leonard chose the LA Clippers over them. But at the end of the day, Johnson believes that it's ‘great' for the rest of the league.

Per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Johnson shared his thoughts on the recent blockbuster signing featuring Leonard and the Clippers. Before the news was made public, the Lakers were among the frontrunners to lure in the two-time Finals MVP. Johnson himself reportedly spoke to Leonard one-on-one.

“Everybody tried. That’s all you can do,” Johnson said. “I’m a Laker, man. I was hoping all day. But for the league, it turned out great. And for this town, it’s the king of basketball. You got LeBron and AD with the Lakers and Paul George and Kawhi with the Clippers.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·
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 ·

Johnson commended the efforts the Clippers' Jerry West, Doc Rivers, and Steve Ballmer. Apart from the players themselves, they were the architects of turning the Clippers squad from playoff contenders to a legitimate threat to the championship. But for Johnson, he's still pleased with the Lakers' have done in free agency.

“You got to say to Jerry West, Doc Rivers and [Steve] Ballmer, congratulations,” he said. “For the Lakers, there’s disappointment but joy too, because we pivoted and got some great players in free agency and we still have LeBron and AD. In a perfect world, you’d love to have Kawhi. But, hey, the Lakers ain’t going anywhere.”

Now, from the looks of it, the 2019-2020 season will be a battle for Los Angeles. Who's your pick?