Some of the Los Angeles Lakers players seem to be dialed in more than ever and Magic Johnson’s arrival is the reason.
In the Lakers’ first game back from the All-Star break, a 110-93 road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, D’Angelo Russell had a pretty impressive game. No, the team outcome wasn’t great, and unfortunately all too familiar. However, individually Russell looked more focused. Maybe his play had something to do with Magic Johnson’s presence and all the movement around the Lakers’ organization recently.
With players like Lou Williams and Marcelo Huertas traded away, a fire may have been lit in Russell. He was open about how difficult the trades were to handle in an interview with reporters after the trade deadline.
“You should never feel like you’re untouchable,” Russell said. “You know, Lou was on our better players and he got moved around, so nobody should feel untouchable.”
Despite Magic’s praise of the potential in players like Russell, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram the NBA is a business and if Magic has shown anything thus far, it’s that he’s willing to make necessary moves in order to make L.A. a winning team again. That means no one is safe and Russell knows it.
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In the Lakers’ loss to the Thunder, he had 29 points, six assists and four steals. What’s most notable in that stat line is that Russell was aggressive in scoring the ball, and was active on defense. He has been hot and cold all season but if he can consistently produce more efforts like he did in Oklahoma City, he may live up to some of the potential Magic has labeled as “untouchable.”
Other players like Nick Young have noticed a heightened sense of focus in the team that he credits Johnson for. I mean, when the president of basketball operations is sitting in on practices and says he will be “evaluating” players, why wouldn’t there be.
Serena Winters, via Spectrum Sportsnet, reported hat Young said Magic, “Makes you stay on your toes, makes you stay focused.”
Nick Young said having Magic around "changed the atmosphere."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 25, 2017
How so?
"Makes you stay on your toes, makes you stay focused."
(on SPSN)
So far, a more focused Lakers team hasn’t translated into a win. Russell “triple-double” Westbrook and the Thunder are outright better than L.A. and they didn’t fair any better against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. However, if Magic’s arrival truly means a more focused team from here on out, we may see the potential of all L.A.’s young stars maxed out.
But what do you guys think? Is having Magic Johnson around good for the young guys? How is this different from when Jim Buss was around? Let us know in the comments below!