Former Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler [just compared](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1857761/tyson-chandler-on-jokic-doncic-and-giannis-impact-on-nba-theyre-incredible-for-our-game/) Luka Doncic to Magic Johnson, and Los Angeles Lakers fans should be thrilled. Chandler noted that, when he coached Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, he likened his game to Johnson’s:
_“Luka was one of the best players I’ve ever seen on the court and in practice,” Chandler said via EuroHoops.net. “Of course, we all see what Luka does in the game, but I’m speaking about practice, because it’s very difficult to impress your peers. Luka does things that I’ve never seen before. That’s difficult. I’ve been around the game for a long time, and there are very few special players that will show you some things that you’ve never seen before. And Luka was one of those players._
_“__**I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson.**_ _This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic was the older generation of somebody with a smile that was the killer. They’d come out there and destroy you, win games, but with a big smile. He’s just such a joy to watch, and I love watching him. Nothing but great things to say about Luka.”_
**How can Luka Doncic reach Magic Johnson levels?**
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If Doncic turns into the Lakers’ next Johnson, that would be pretty close to the best-case scenario for LA. Johnson won five championships in Los Angeles, so if Doncic came anywhere close to that, it would be incredible.
In today’s day and age, it’s hard to win one championship, let alone five. LeBron James has four, but with three different organizations. Stephen Curry has four with the Golden State Warriors, but it took him nearly a decade.
Obviously, the Lakers traded for Doncic in hopes of him bringing their franchise back to its peak heights. They want championships. That’s what the Lakers are about.
So, to hear Chandler compare Doncic’s game to Johnson should absolutely be enough to bring a smile to fans’ faces. Nobody can replace (or mimic) what Johnson did for the organization, but if Doncic can come close, it would be a huge win.
At the end of the day, Doncic is his own player. And he’s amazing at what he does.
He’s poised to lead the Lakers organization for a long, long time. So, if he can approach the same level of success as Johnson had in terms of winning, it would be a massive win for the Lakers.