Magic Johnson Says Western Rivals Could Be Shut Out for Years After Spurs-Thunder Epic
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The Western Conference Finals opened with a double-overtime classic on May 18, 2026, and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson believes the result sent a clear message to every team in the West, including his own Los Angeles Lakers.
At Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the San Antonio Spurs edged the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 behind a 41-point, 24-rebound performance from rookie superstar Victor Wembanyama. The Thunder countered with a balanced offense and rugged defense, but San Antonio escaped with the road win.
Minutes after the buzzer, Johnson posted on X that the gap between these two clubs and the rest of the conference could last “the next 5–7 years,” calling both rosters “talented, deep, athletic.”
The warning comes after Oklahoma City swept the Lakers in the second round, while San Antonio removed the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. Los Angeles had won 53 regular-season games—its best mark in more than a decade—but played the entire postseason without injured superstar Luka Dončić.
Lakers already plotting roster upgrades
General manager Rob Pelinka said the organization is in “constant communication” with Dončić about offseason moves. Pelinka told reporters during his end-of-season news conference that he expects to meet with the guard before Dončić returns home to spend time with his daughters, emphasizing a “collaborative” approach to building a roster capable of challenging San Antonio and Oklahoma City.
Source: LakersNation.com
