Los Angeles Lakers legend and Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson is reveling in the team's NBA championship, and he guarantees more is in store.

During an appearance on ESPN's “First Take,” Johnson said he believes Anthony Davis–who can be a free agent this offseason by opting out of his player option–will absolutely be back with the Lakers next season:

“I am positive Anthony Davis is coming back,” Johnson said, via Adam Zagoria of Forbes. “This has been the greatest situation for Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Anthony Davis is known across the world now because of the platform of the Lakers. And then, him and LeBron again next season, man, they can repeat.”

Johnson also noted Davis can immediately replace LeBron James as the face of the famous franchise whenever LeBron decides to hang up the sneakers:

“They make each other better. And last but not least, this is the great thing, when LeBron retires, he says, ‘Here, Anthony Davis, it’s your team now. Lead the Lakers to the next five, six championships.’

“Anthony Davis also loves living in Los Angeles, too.”

Davis is all but certain to opt out of his player option, which is worth just over $28 million. However, he is almost assuredly returning to Los Angeles.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
LeBron James’ NSFW reaction to Tyrese Haliburton’s brutal injuryDavid Yapkowitz ·
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James’ hilarious Victor Wembanyama admission on eventual retirementJosh Davis ·
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum.
DeMarcus Cousins explains the Luka Doncic reason why Magic overpaid for Desmond BaneJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Draymond Green reveals why Lakers’ $10 billion sale makes them ‘dangerous’Julian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James (6) smiles from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Lakers star LeBron James’ post-retirement plans linked to AmazonPreston Byers ·
LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center.
Bill Simmons rips Lakers, Buss family with LeBron James bailout takePreston Byers ·

Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register reported in April rival executives felt the Lakers had done enough to convince Davis to re-sign.

Aside from projecting L.A.'s future, Magic also made an interesting comment with respect to LeBron James possibly being the greatest NBA player of all-time:

“If he gets that next one, it’s going to be hard not to say he’s right there with MJ,” Johnson said, via Zagoria. “I said the next one, which will be five [NBA titles] because with six [for Jordan] and four [for James], it’s hard to say he’s overtaken Michael at four championships. Once he wins and repeats — the key word here is repeat — that’s a good argument right there.

Johnson is close friends with Michael Jordan, but he understands LeBron's legacy stacks up well in comparison.