Former NBA center Tyson Chandler praised LA Lakers star Luka Doncic in a two-year-old interview that found itself circulating online once more. On an episode of “All the Smoke” from September 2023, Chandler likened Doncic to Hall of Famer and former Laker Magic Johnson.
All the Smoke Productions re-uploaded the clip on X on Monday afternoon ahead of Luka’s Lakers debut.
“Luka, I feel like, is this generation’s Magic [Johnson].”@TysonChandler explains how the newest Laker is able to control the game at every level.
ALL THE SMOKE with the 2011 NBA Champion is available on our YouTube! pic.twitter.com/g68h81OTJM
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) February 10, 2025
In the archival footage, Chandler talked with hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson to discuss the similarities Doncic has with Magic. He praised Doncic’s ability to do what others cannot, pointing out his ingenuity that allows him to make plays others can’t even see—like Magic did in his prime.
“Luka, I feel like, is this generation’s Magic (Johnson),” Chandler said.
“More of a scorer, though,” Barnes added, noting Luka Doncic’s prolific scoring ability that sets him apart from Magic Johnson. Doncic was the 2023-24 NBA scoring champion, averaging 33.9 points that season.
“(Luka) controls the whole game,” Jackson said.
“Yes,” Chandler replied. “And the creativity of what they play with, nobody had ever seen Magic, right? And we [have] never seen Luka.”
Tyson Chandler also remarked that Doncic and Nikola Jokic looked “unathletic,” but it does not take away from their abilities.
“They broke the code of the league, Luka and (Nikola) Jokic,” Chandler said. “These are slow, unathletic players that are moving at a different pace, right? We’re athletic and moving fast. They just slow down. And he does it in practice. He does stuff that I’ve never seen before.”
Chandler’s insight came from his role with the Mavericks organization. He played two seasons for the Mavs and won a championship with Dirk Nowitzki in 2011. In 2021, he rejoined the team as a player development coach.
“(Luka) does some of the craziest stuff in practice, and the dude does it laughing. … Like Magic,” Chandler said. “That’s why I say [he’s] like Magic because his personality is always laughs and smiles and love. He’s easygoing. He’s special.”
Luka Doncic successful in his Lakers debut
Luka Doncic fans did not have to wait long to see him play wearing a Purple and Gold jersey as he started the Lakers’ game against the visiting Utah Jazz on Monday.
A new era in Los Angeles 🌴
Luka Doncic is expected to make his Lakers debut tonight vs. the Jazz!
10:30 PM ET on ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+ 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Bb28AmXY54
— ESPN (@espn) February 10, 2025
The Lakers’ latest acquisition had not played since the Mavericks’ Christmas day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a calf injury. He was finally back in action on Monday, tallying 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes of action to help the Lakers seal the 132-113 victory.
The Lakers have won nine of their last 10 games and are on a six-game winning streak.
