Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson is not ready to move the New York Knicks off the top line in the Eastern Conference. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on July 27, 2026, Johnson wrote that the Knicks remain his pick to reach the NBA Finals “until proven otherwise,” even after LeBron James agreed to a two-year veteran-minimum deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James joins a revamped 76ers core that already features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and rookie VJ Edgecombe. The addition immediately vaulted Philadelphia into many preseason forecasts as the favorite to overtake the reigning champion Knicks. Johnson, however, urged caution, adding that a potential Knicks-76ers matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals would be “must-see TV.”
Philadelphia’s challenge involves meshing two high-usage newcomers—James and Brown—while maintaining touches for Maxey, Embiid and Edgecombe. Early growing pains are considered possible, particularly if either James or Embiid misses time.
The Knicks counter with the lineup that delivered last season’s championship: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. Johnson cited that continuity in explaining why New York remains his No. 1 choice heading into training camp.
Lakers’ Offseason Also Draws Johnson’s Praise
Johnson used the same social-media thread to applaud the Lakers’ roster overhaul after the team was swept in last season’s Western Conference Semifinals. He highlighted the arrivals of Walker Kessler, Matisse Thybulle, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili, along with first-round pick Cameron Carr and forward Ziaire Williams. Johnson said the moves made the team younger, faster and better suited to play around franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić.
The Lakers will open training camp with a markedly different rotation, while the Knicks and 76ers prepare for what many expect to be a season-long duel atop the Eastern Conference.
Source: LakersNation.com
