Since his arrival with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic has been tasked with more than just leading an offense, he’s been handed the keys to one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.
While his resume already includes record-breaking performances and a trip to the NBA Finals, Lakers legend James Worthy believes there’s something even more special about Doncic. Something that reaches back to the Showtime era of basketball.
The Hall of Famer and three-time champion sees shades of Magic Johnson in Doncic’s game, and not just because of the flash or the stats.
According to Worthy, Doncic possesses a rare, cerebral skill that few players in NBA history have mastered.
James Worthy highlights Doncic’s vision and instincts
Speaking on the “Mason & Ireland” podcast, Worthy praised Doncic’s ability to survey the court in an instant, what he described as taking a “snapshot.” It’s a skill that defined Magic Johnson in his prime, and one that now defines Doncic’s approach to leading an offense.
“The one thing Magic and Luka have in common is that they can take a snapshot,” Worthy explained.
“They’re really good rebounders. They get that rebound and take a quick shot of the whole floor going down. And then their ability to calculate their steps and know where you are going to be.”
This isn’t just about flashy passes or basketball IQ, it’s about anticipation. Like Magic, Doncic doesn’t just see the current play; he sees the next one forming before anyone else on the court does.
At 6’6″, he combines guard skills with forward strength, enabling him to rebound, push the pace, and dictate tempo all at once.
Worthy’s comparison highlights the mental part of Doncic’s game, suggesting that his greatness lies not only in numbers but in vision and control, two elements that defined Magic’s legendary career.
What does Magic think of Doncic comparisons?
Even Mavericks legend Tyson Chandler once called him “Luka Magic,” and Magic Johnson himself has acknowledged the similarities. But as he pointed out, being like Magic isn’t the same as living up to the Lakers’ standard.
In L.A., being great isn’t enough. As Magic recently said on ESPN’s Get Up, “In Los Angeles, we expect championships. And we expect our superstars to lead us to a championship.”
The Lakers made a bold move trading for Doncic and reaffirmed their commitment by handing him a three-year, $165 million extension. With LeBron James entering the twilight of his career, Doncic isn’t just the future, he’s the present.
The team has gone all-in, reshaping the roster to surround their new star with the pieces needed to contend.
Doncic has shown he can dominate the game. But in Los Angeles, dominance must translate to banners. Like Magic before him, his legacy will be measured not in highlights but in championships.
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