Overview
- The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2026–27 season 10–2 and sit atop the Western Conference after a run of wins that has shifted early standings.
- Earvin 'Magic' Johnson wrote on X that the current Lakers are “mentally and physically tougher” than last season and credited that toughness with the team’s fast start.
- Johnson singled out coach JJ Redick’s in-game adjustments, saying a switch to a zone defense changed the trajectory of the win over the Atlanta Hawks.
- He highlighted bench contributions — Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Walker Kessler and Ziaire Williams — as key factors behind the victory that showcased deeper scoring beyond Luka Dončić.
- Media outlets have noted that Johnson’s praise has been read by some as an implicit critique of LeBron James’ departure, a narrative that could affect public perception of the roster rebuild and the team’s identity going forward.