Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is always keeping up to date on the NBA as news breaks and things unfold. He made several pieces of commentary when the biggest free agent news of the offseason dropped: that LeBron James would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year minimum contract.
James joins Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe on a 76ers team that is sure to be one of the talked-about teams in the sport. Many had them as instant favorites to come out of the East and topple the reigning champion New York Knicks. However, Johnson is taking a more measured approach.
As we sit today, the Knicks are still my favorite to come out of the East until proven otherwise.
All NBA fans can only dream of a 76ers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Finals. That will be must see TV! 🍿
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 27, 2026
James and the 76ers against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks would be a fantastic series no matter when it occurs. However, those two teams do seem to be the best in the conference as of late July, making it the ideal Eastern Conference Finals matchup as people start to make their season predictions.
The 76ers have some major work to do before they find themselves in the conference finals. They have to incorporate two massive new pieces in James and Brown, while still finding touches for Maxey, Embiid and Edgecombe. They are not going to be a finished product right away and could very easily struggle out of the gates, especially if one of James or Embiid misses time.
However, there is no denying that the 76ers are now easily among the most talented teams in the NBA with one of the most intriguing starting lineups. Of course, their starting lineup is directly rivaled by that of the Knicks, as the quintet of Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns just won the NBA title.
Magic Johnson pleased with Lakers offseason moves
The Lakers completely overhauled their team from last season, a team that got swept in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. However, their new pieces seem more well-suited around the team’s superstar, Luka Doncic. Johnson took to social media to express his happiness with the team’s direction.
“I said this offseason the Lakers had to get younger, more athletic, and faster, and they did just that,” Johnson said in a social media post. “We got a young, athletic center in Walker Kessler who can score and is a great rim protector, and I was so happy they signed two-time All Defensive player Matisse Thybulle! I’ve enjoyed watching the two young players Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. Sexton’s speed and quickness, and Grimes’ scoring and defense make them two great pickups for the Lakers! They also added three point shooting from Sandro Mamukelashvili. I loved the way our first round pick Cameron Carr played in summer league, he has a beautiful three point shot and is very athletic. I don’t know much about Ziaire Williams yet, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about his game!”
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