Magic Johnson was “cautiously optimistic” when the Lakers hired JJ Redick. “If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers – this could work out!” And it’s worked out alright. Didn’t it? A 50-32 record plus a third seed in the West. Moreover, it was for just the second time in 14 years that the team had won 50 games. Up next, they face the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Led by Anthony Edwards, Magic wants his former team to be aware of the threat.

“I’m scared for my Lakers because the game’s most exciting player, superstar Anthony Edwards, is a matchup problem.” The Lakers legend sent out a tweet, which turned into a thread, where he had a prediction for each matchup, including the Lakers vs the Timberwolves. Interestingly, it’s not just Ant-Man who will be a problem for the Purple and Gold as per Magic Johnson.”If the Timberwolves beat my Lakers it’s because Naz Reid and Donte DiVenczo both have a big series.” 

But this doesn’t mean that the 5x NBA champion doesn’t have confidence in his former team. In fact, he made a prediction backing them and heaped praise on Austin Reaves apart from the star duo of LeBron and Luka. “I’m picking my Lakers in 6, led by superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves will be the third man in the ring for the Lakers and he has to have a big series as well as Rui Hachimara. Rui has to come up big for the Lakers to win.”

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Lakers in 6, sounds good for the Lakers nation. But to make the news sweeter, the 65-year-old will support his former team courtside. “I will be glued to my TV during this year’s Playoffs and I’ll be at every Lakers vs. Timberwolves game watching three of the NBA’s most exciting players- LeBron James, Luca Doncic, and Anthony Edwards!” Also, to cope with the high-flying Wolves star, JJ Redick had new plans involving Bronny James.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin tweeted about the changes. “JJ Redick says Shake Milton and Bronny James split time playing the role of Anthony Edwards on the Wolves scout team at Lakers practice Wednesday.” This simply means James Jr. and Milton are going to take turns simulating Anthony Edwards for the scout team at the Lakers’ practice session. But do you think it will be enough to mimic Ant-Man after his exploits this season?

Why Magic Johnson’s threat about the Wolves is real

It was a mixed trend of wins and losses for the Wolves this entire season. At one point, they were looking at the Play-in spot, due to the tough Western Conference. But an 8-2 record in the last 10 has boosted the team’s morale as they face off against the Lakers. This season, the Wolves finished with the No. 6 defensive rating as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. They have allowed 110.8 points per 100 possessions, plus the Timberwolves are also the No. 8 offense in the league, as the team averaged 115.7 points per 100 possessions.

This season, Anthony Edwards has scored 8 40-point games and is 4th in the scoring in the league with 27.6 points. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert has managed to end the season on a high note. As for the month of April, his stats were 19.4 points and 13.6 rebounds, and mindboggling 74.3 FG%. But let’s not count out Luka Doncic, who was responsible for sending the Wolves home in last year’s Conference Finals. In that series, there were multiple moments of Luka Magic!

Remember the 26-year-old’s iconic dagger step-back three-pointer over Rudy Gobert in Game 2? No one could forget that. Because they came back from an 18-point deficit. For the series, the Slovenian put up 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He closed out the series in game 5 with a massive 36-point performance.

But it’s a new team and a new season. Therefore, anything can happen in the upcoming playoff series. Which is why even the Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, is equally excited and ready to be courtside to watch the action live!