Magic Johnson sends a strong message to Luka Doncic: “We should not have to tell you to be in good shape”

Magic Johnson sends a strong message to Luka Doncic: “We should not have to tell you to be in good shape” originally appeared on Fadeaway World.

The legend of the NBA and the Lakers’ icon, Magic Johnson, did not chop words when they asked him questions about the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers and their new superstar, Luka Doncic.

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During an appearance on First Take, Magic transmitted a sharp message on leadership, expectations and packaging, by drawing his decades of experience with the championship lists.

“Luka must understand that it’s not Dallas.

“So, it’s going to be an important year for Lakers, an important off-season for Lakers. And we have to go better and watch the championship. Always look at the finals. This will tell you what you have to do during the dead.”

So the West must watch OKC and say, uh-oh. We have to build a team to beat them. East must say, hey. The pacers will be there, so we have to have a team to beat them. “”

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“And so it will be important, the decisions that Rob and JJ make to improve the list if we will compete with all these teams.”

Magic’s words reflect the high expectations of Los Angeles, a franchise imbued with championship tradition. Dononic, which has been exchanged in the Lakers earlier this season in a successful agreement that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas Mavericks, now has the pressure to direct one of the most emblematic franchises in the NBA.

But with this responsibility, and Johnson clearly indicated that professionalism, starting with physical form, is non -negotiable.

Lakers are in a pivotal off -season. They therefore re -lodge and an aging James Lebron, which can offer another discount to the franchise if it helps to win a legitimate difference manufacturer.

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Regarding the list, the Lakers’ off -season strategy has been clear. They desperately needed the area help before having been physically surpassed by the Timberwolves in the first round. Jaxson Hayes should leave, and without Anthony Davis, the need to not one but two legitimate bigs has become urgent.

Names like Clint Capela, Steven Adams and Brook Lopez have become intermediate levels, while commercial scenarios revolve around players such as Nicolas Claxton, Walker Kessler and even Zach Collins.

Claxton remains one of the best options because of its adjustment with the game of Pick-And-Roll of Luka, and its ability to keep the perimeter gives the Lakers a defensive flexibility.

Lakers have limited-draft capital, a first round choice, five exchanges of choice and expired contracts, but they should be aggressive on the market, exploring creative offers for the size of the field, defense and shooting. Lonzo Ball has also become a potential return candidate on a reduced price agreement if he can prove his health.

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The encouraging news for Lakers?

Luka seems to listen. Recent training videos are therefore showing Slimmer and faster, with off -season photos causing optimism that he takes conditioning seriously. For the Lakers to return to the form of the championship, they will need their new star to show the example, and according to Magic Johnson, this leadership begins well before the opening evening.

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This story was initially reported by Fadeaway World on June 12, 2025, where it appeared for the first time.