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Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared his candid thoughts on the Lakers and Golden State Warriors' trade deadline moves, signaling that both teams have significantly improved their rosters.
Johnson took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his confidence in the two Western Conference contenders.
“With the trades the Lakers and the Warriors just made, if I’m any team in the West I wouldn’t want to see either one of them!” Johnson wrote.
The Lakers initiated the trade deadline frenzy by executing a blockbuster deal over the weekend, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. The move reshaped the franchise’s future, pairing Doncic with LeBron James as Los Angeles pushes for a deep playoff run.
Magic Johnson reacts as Lakers, Warriors make major trade deadline moves
With Davis gone, the Lakers urgently needed frontcourt depth, particularly at the center position. They addressed the issue late Wednesday night by acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets.
In exchange, Los Angeles sent rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to Charlotte. The Lakers, currently 29-19 and sitting fifth in the Western Conference, are looking to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff push.
Meanwhile, the Warriors made one of the most significant moves of the trade deadline, landing Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in a four-team deal. The Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, P.J. Tucker, and a 2025 first-round pick (protected, via the Warriors).
Shortly after the trade, Golden State secured Butler with a two-year, $121 million extension through the 2026-27 season, with Butler declining his player option for next season.
Despite their struggles this season, the Warriors, currently 25-25 and sitting 11th in the West, are aiming to turn things around with Butler joining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Both teams will take the court Thursday night as the Lakers host their Pacific Division rivals in a highly anticipated matchup. The Lakers hold a 2-0 lead in the season series, with their last win coming during NBA Rivals Week, a 118-108 victory led by Davis before his departure. Tipoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
With the Western Conference race tightening, Johnson’s remarks reflect the growing belief that the Lakers and Warriors have positioned themselves as legitimate threats following their trade deadline acquisitions.
