Magic Johnson remains one of the most accomplished figures in basketball history. A five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP and 12-time All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson revolutionized the point guard position during the 1980s.
His career was cut short in 1991 following his HIV diagnosis, but his legacy has endured far beyond his playing days. Decades later, he remains one of the most respected voices in the NBA, regularly weighing in on major storylines across the league.
Johnson has also maintained strong ties to the Lakers organization. He previously served as the team’s president of basketball operations and continues to act as a visible ambassador for the franchise. Whether through public appearances or social media, Johnson has consistently supported the Lakers and remained closely connected to the team.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
On Tuesday, Johnson took to X to express frustration over the team’s latest injury setback involving Luka Doncic:
“I’m devastated about Luka Doncic’s injury because he was having an MVP season and he should definitely be first-team All-NBA!”
Moments later, Johnson followed up with another post, expressing just how disappointed he was to hear about Austin Reaves’ injury:
“Just when I thought Luka’s injury was devastating for my Lakers we got the news that Austin Reaves will also be out with an oblique injury. The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse with the NBA Playoffs a week away.”
Both injuries occurred in a recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic suffered a hamstring strain that will sideline him for the remainder of the regular season, while Reaves sustained a Grade 2 oblique injury expected to keep him out for four to six weeks. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, both players traveled to Spain to expedite treatment and hope to return at some point during the playoffs.
Doncic is leading the league in scoring at 33.5 points per game, while also averaging 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 64 games, putting together a clear MVP-caliber campaign. Reaves, meanwhile, is enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 51 appearances, and has emerged as a consistent secondary star alongside Doncic.
Without their stars, the Lakers, who are now relying heavily on 41-year-old veteran LeBron James, have since slipped to fourth in the Western Conference following a disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks, with just four games remaining in the regular season. They are set to face the Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz to close out the schedule, and will hope to stay afloat in the playoffs as they anticipate Doncic and Reaves’ recovery.
