The Lakers revamped nearly every area of their roster this offseason, but their lack of reliable depth behind Walker Kessler remains a significant concern entering training camp.
Magic Johnson likes the direction the Los Angeles Lakers have taken this offseason.
The Lakers legend praised the organization's roster overhaul in a series of posts on X, highlighting several additions while emphasizing that the team has become younger, faster and more athletic around franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic.
Johnson's comments come after an offseason that saw L.A. reshape its roster with the additions of Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams and first-round rookie Cameron Carr.
Johnson Likes the Lakers' New Identity
Johnson said before the offseason that he wanted the Lakers to prioritize youth and believes the front office accomplished exactly that.
"I said this offseason the Lakers had to get younger, more athletic, and faster, and they did just that," Johnson wrote.
Apr 9, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson speaks to the media before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY SportsAmong the moves that stood out most to Johnson was the acquisition of center Kessler. The young big man gives the Lakers a rim protector who can anchor the paint while also providing an efficient scoring option around the basket.
Johnson also applauded the signing of two-time All-Defensive selection Thybulle, whose defensive versatility should strengthen the Lakers on the perimeter.
The Hall of Famer also expressed excitement over Sexton and Grimes, calling both valuable additions because of their skill sets.
Johnson pointed to Sexton's speed and quickness as traits that can inject energy into the offense, while praising Grimes for bringing scoring and defense on the wing.
He also highlighted Mamukelashvili's outside shooting, saying the forward adds another floor-spacing element to the roster.
Patience Will Be Key
Johnson didn't stop with the veteran additions. He also mentioned first-round pick Cameron Carr after the rookie impressed during NBA Summer League.
"I loved the way our first-round pick Cameron Carr played in summer league," Johnson wrote. "He has a beautiful three-point shot and is very athletic."
Apr 9, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson speaks to the media before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY SportsJohnson admitted he has not seen enough of Williams to form a complete opinion but said he has heard encouraging things about the forward's game.
Despite his optimism, Johnson warned Lakers fans not to expect immediate results.
With seven new players expected to contribute, Johnson believes building chemistry alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves will take time. Learning new offensive and defensive systems while establishing roles can often lead to early growing pains, even for talented teams.
That adjustment period could make the start of the season uneven, but Johnson's overall outlook remains positive.
After several years of searching for the right supporting cast, the Lakers have assembled one of the league's youngest groups around Doncic.
Whether those additions translate into championship contention remains to be seen, but Johnson believes the organization has taken meaningful steps toward building a faster, more athletic team capable of competing in the Western Conference.
