After landing Steve Nash via sign-and-trade and signing Antawn Jamison to a one-year deal, the Los Angeles Lakers are clearly a better all-around squad with NBA title aspirations heading into next season. Even though the team has gotten considerably better with these two additions and the return of Jordan Hill, Lakers legend Magic Johnson isn’t convinced that the current roster is ready to compete for a title.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com, Magic believes the Lakers need to make more moves:
“I think we still need two to three pieces but if they can add a shooter, as I’ve told [general manager] Mitch [Kupchak], we’ve got a shot.”
As one of the most vocal former Laker greats, Magic never has a problem expressing his feelings about the team he led to five NBA champions in the ‘80s. Despite no longer having a major role with the storied franchise after pulling out to ultimately become a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Magic’s opinion is respected and tends to make headlines whenever he says something about his former team.
Recently, Magic came out and said that he believes Lakers VP Jim Buss has done a good job during the current NBA off-season. Magic also went on to say that Buss will have done a great job if he was able to bring in Dwight Howard via trade. It’s hard to disagree with that statement as the Lakers would instantly become the favorites in the Western Conference with the addition of Howard alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Nash.
As for the Lakers making a few more minor moves, GM Mitch Kupchak seems intent on signing at least one more free agent. With there still be a void that needs to be filled in the backcourt behind Kobe at shooting guard, the Lakers will look to add another shooting guard, with C.J. Miles and Jodie Meeks being the most likely candidates as of right now.
