How will Lakers deal with Warriors? Magic Johnson weighs in – Comcast SportsNet Bay Area

They are going to have to outduel the Warriors, who were not standing in their method this year.

The Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th NBA title Monday night, and definitely will be a champion competitor again next season.

How will LeBron James and his colleagues handle a reloaded Golden State team in 2020-21?

” But at the end of the day, the Lakers still will be the team to beat. If Golden State is healthy– and Im sure theyre gon na make an excellent move, I dont know if they will keep that 2nd pick or not– they will be the 2nd group.”

Magic also pointed out the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers as the other two “powerhouse” teams in the Western Conference, but undoubtedly believes his cherished Lakers are the favorites.

” Im a fan of Steph (Curry) and Klay (Thompson). I hope that they come back and theyre healthy,” NBA legend Magic Johnson said Monday on ESPNs “First Take.” “And I like Draymond Green– the former (Michigan State) Spartan. Im always gon na cheer for Draymond.

” With the experience the Lakers got– all those guys will come back and be much better next season,” he added.

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Its going to be remarkable to see how the leagues top teams improve their lineups this offseason

” Weve lost a great deal of bounce and a lot of pop on the wings– even at the center position. (So) today, were not big enough or athletic sufficient to get where we wish to be. But all of us know that.

” Weve lost a lot of bounce and a lot of pop on the wings– even at the center position. (So) right now, were not huge enough or athletic sufficient to get where we desire to be. I think (general manager) Bob (Myers) would be the very first to inform you this lineup is far from being finished.”.

RELATED: Where Warriors land in ESPNs early 2021 NBA power rankings.

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The Warriors have the No. 2 total choice in the 2020 NBA Draft, a $17.2 traded player exception and the $6 million-ish taxpayer mid-level exception at their disposal.

” We have the draft and we have free firm to deal with all that stuff. And potential trades. I believe (general manager) Bob (Myers) would be the very first to tell you this lineup is far from being finished.”.

We dont have an extremely athletic group.

And the franchise knows it needs to bring in some significant contributors to be in position to compete for the title.

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” I think we need to be more athletic, for sure,” Steve Kerr told The Athletics Tim Kawakami last week. ” Were clearly really knowledgeable. We do not have an overly athletic team.