Magic Johnson dismisses Nuggets as Lakers' biggest playoffs roadblock while highlighting another real threat

On Saturday, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson gave his take on the purple and gold's Western Conference chances. He dismissed the Nuggets as their biggest playoff roadblock, as the Lakers beat the Colorado team at the Ball Arena. The legend, however, considers the Dallas Mavericks as a serious threat.

Johnson tweeted his thoughts on the Lakers' competitors in the Western Conference:

"Okay Lakers - one playoff contending team down. Now, it’s time to get ready for the Mavs!"

The Lakers defeated the 2023 NBA champions on Friday by a score of 123–100. New addition Luka Doncic was the star on the night as he scored 32 points, collected 10 rebounds, and dished out seven assists. However, the next game will be emotional for the Slovenian who will welcome his former team to his new hunting ground on Tuesday.

The Mavericks will travel to the Crypto.com Arena for their second meeting. This will be the first time Doncic will face his former team since the blockbuster trade in February. The Lakers, currently fourth in the Western Conference standings, hope to finish as high as possible for a more favorable tie in the playoffs. A win over the Mavs would be huge for them.

Magic Johnson welcomes Luka Doncic with "excited" message as he finally seems settled in LA

Hall-of-Famer and five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson welcomed Luka Doncic with open arms in a tweet he posted after the trade in February. The Slovenian made his way to the city of Angels in a blockbuster move that saw Anthony Davis join the Dallas Mavericks.

The former Lakers president was like every other fan in Los Angeles as he posted a message for Doncic on X:

"Im truly excited to see Luka play in his first game with the Lakers against the Jazz. LA is buzzing and Crypto is the place to be tonight!"

Luka's joining the Lakers surprised everyone, including Magic, who was happy with the acquisition. Since arriving, the former Rookie of the Year has gradually adapted to the team's system and impacted in his fourth game as a Laker.