The Los Angeles Lakers’ journey since their 2020 NBA championship has been a story of almost-but-not-quite.
Despite their star power, they’ve found themselves stuck in the 7th seed for three of the last four seasons, forcing them through the play-in tournament gauntlet just to secure a playoff spot.
Even now, with the current season in full swing, the Lakers remain outside the Western Conference’s top 5.
Lakers icon Magic Johnson recently weighed in on what his former team needs during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
His message was clear: the Lakers need another reliable scorer to truly compete in the loaded Western Conference.
“We need one more player if you’re going to contend in the West, you got to have at least three guys,” Johnson explained. “Because look at look at Phoenix, look at Denver. I mean, all these teams, the Mavericks, they got two or three guys that can get it done and get you 25 points a night.”
He didn’t stop there, emphasizing the team’s scoring gaps.
“We don’t have that. And so we need another guy that can get us 20 points on a consistent basis, and then we can go down on the other end and defend.”
“We [Lakers] need one more player if you’re going to contend in the West”
Lakers legend Magic Johnson shares with @TermineRadio and @JumpShot8 what he believes LA needs to compete for a title. pic.twitter.com/9jNZ5SSOX5
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 19, 2024
The Western Conference has long been the NBA’s more challenging battleground, and this season proves no different.
While the Eastern Conference boasts its share of powerhouses, the West’s competitive nature is evident in the mere two-game separation between the 6th and 12th spots – a tight race where the Lakers find themselves right in the thick of things.
Looking at the standings, it’s hard to argue with Magic’s assessment. The teams above Los Angeles are stacked with multiple scoring threats.
While LeBron James and Anthony Davis form an impressive duo, the Lakers’ success might hinge on finding that crucial third option.
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