yardbarker
Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson has shared his perspective on the team's impressive 10-2 start to the season, which has propelled them to the top of the Western Conference after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Lakers became the first NBA team to reach 10 wins this season, and their success has sparked conversation about their performance without LeBron James.
Following the win, sports commentator Skip Bayless took to X to note that the Lakers now hold the NBA's best record and suggested that they do not miss James. Johnson later weighed in, emphasizing that the team's improvement stems from being faster and mentally tougher.
In a post, Johnson explained: "Last year, the Lakers were a slow team that got beat in transition — but not this season. This team is mentally and physically tougher, and that's why they're 10-2!" After James' offseason departure, the Lakers utilized his salary to address other areas, adding depth and strengthening their bench with players like Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton making significant contributions.
Johnson also credited head coach JJ Redick for the team's progress, despite Luka Doncic's stellar play averaging 39.3 points per game. He noted signs of development from Redick, now in his third season as a head coach, and praised his impact. "The Lakers win over the Hawks yesterday showed that JJ Redick has become a great NBA coach," Johnson posted. "His in-game switch from man-to-man to a zone defense changed the trajectory of the game, and he's outstanding at drawing up plays out of timeouts!"
Key Analysis
Johnson's comments highlight a strategic shift in the Lakers' approach, focusing on team depth and defensive versatility rather than relying on a single superstar. The addition of Grimes and Sexton has bolstered the bench, while Redick's tactical adjustments have proven crucial in close games. This early success raises questions about the team's long-term potential and whether their balanced roster can sustain this level of play in the competitive Western Conference.
The Lakers are next set to face the Milwaukee Bucks, a matchup that will test their newfound resilience and coaching acumen.
Originally reported by yardbarker.