Magic Johnson had plenty to say about LeBron James’ move to the 76ers, and he didn’t stop there. On X on July 26, the Lakers legend weighed in on what James brings to Philadelphia and how the Lakers used the roster opening left behind.
Johnson framed the Sixers’ new-look group as a loaded offensive team after they added Jaylen Brown and then landed James, calling him “the biggest free agent on the market this summer, four-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer LeBron James,” after Philadelphia had already traded for “one of the best two-way players in the league and NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown.”
He was clear about the upside. “LeBron makes the Sixers one of the best teams in the NBA and the biggest threat to the World Champion Knicks in the Eastern Conference. Philly’s starting lineup will have four All-Stars, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, and offensively they will be great.”
But Johnson also flagged the part that could make or break it. “But all four are used to having the ball in their hands, so I’m interested to see what type of offense Coach Nurse draws up,” he added.
Then came the two concerns he wants answered before he fully buys in. “I have two big questions for Philly: one is on the defensive end, and the other is their team chemistry. If they answer those two… watch out!”
That defensive issue is the loudest one. Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid are all players who draw scrutiny for their effort on that end, and that could become a real problem once the postseason arrives.
Chemistry, though, looks more workable on paper. With Tyrese Maxey handling the ball, Brown and James can slide into more off-ball scoring roles and hunt open looks when Maxey attacks.
Embiid would need to spend more time in off-ball pick-and-roll action, working mainly around the paint instead of worrying about perimeter defense. VJ Edgecombe, meanwhile, could function as a slasher and lob threat with Maxey running the offense.
That leaves a path for the Sixers to sort out roles over the course of the season. Still, the defense remains the biggest reason not to call them true championship contenders right now.
Johnson also liked what the Lakers did with the cap space created by LeBron’s departure. “I said this offseason the Lakers had to get younger, more athletic, and faster, and they did just that,” he wrote.
He pointed to Walker Kessler as “a young, athletic center” who “can score and is a great rim protector,” and said he was especially pleased with the addition of “two-time All-Defensive player Matisse Thybulle!”
Johnson also praised Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. “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!” he said.
Even with the upgrades, the Lakers are still not being viewed as a finished contender. But the roster now follows a blueprint similar to the 2024 Mavericks, the team Luka Doncic led to the NBA Finals against the odds.
Johnson’s takeaway was simple: the 2026-27 season could get very interesting, and the first time the 76ers and Lakers meet after these moves should carry plenty of edge.
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