Derek Fisher compares LeBron James' late-career renaissance to Magic Johnson era

The Lakers legend sees similarities between the playmaking abilities of LeBron and Magic Johnson.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:37am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with overlapping planes of purple, gold, and red representing the players and action on the court.A cubist interpretation of LeBron James' playmaking mastery, as the Lakers veteran orchestrates the offense against the Rockets.Los Angeles Today

At 41 years old, LeBron James is still dominating games at the highest level, showcasing his elite basketball IQ and playmaking skills. In the Lakers' Game 1 win over the Rockets, LeBron had 13 assists, setting up his teammates well. Lakers legend Derek Fisher believes LeBron's current style of play is reminiscent of fellow Lakers great Magic Johnson, as both players have used their size and vision to manipulate the defense and get their teammates involved, even as their athleticism has declined with age.

Why it matters

LeBron's ability to adapt his game and continue playing at an elite level into his 40s is a testament to his basketball genius and physical gifts. The comparison to Magic Johnson, another Lakers legend known for his elite playmaking, further cements LeBron's status as one of the all-time greats of the game.

The details

In Game 1 against the Rockets, LeBron James had 8 assists in the first quarter alone and finished the game with 13 assists. He was setting up his teammates well, as the Lakers had all their starters score in double figures, led by Luke Kennard's 27 points. Derek Fisher believes LeBron's current style of play, focused more on playmaking than scoring, is reminiscent of Magic Johnson's later career, where he used his size and vision to control the game despite a decline in athleticism.

  • In Game 1 of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, LeBron had 13 assists.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA player who is still dominating games at the highest level, showcasing his elite basketball IQ and playmaking skills.

Magic Johnson

A Lakers legend known for his elite playmaking ability, who also used his size and vision to manipulate the defense and get his teammates involved later in his career.

Derek Fisher

A Lakers legend and current analyst who believes LeBron's current style of play is reminiscent of Magic Johnson's later career.

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What they’re saying

“We could say this is his Magic Johnson era right now. You can still win championships with a guy like him leading the charge. Maybe the athleticism has dipped a little, even though he's still finishing plays above the rim.”

— Derek Fisher, Lakers Legend

“Understanding I have to get my teammates involved, getting my shooters in rhythm, and finding pockets when I'll score... To me, watching Magic, the way he can manipulate and control the game without being the fastest or the most athletic, it's not a downgrade to say at this stage of LeBron's journey that he's like Magic.”

— Derek Fisher, Lakers Legend

The takeaway

LeBron James' ability to adapt his game and continue playing at an elite level into his 40s is a testament to his basketball genius and physical gifts. The comparison to fellow Lakers legend Magic Johnson, known for his elite playmaking, further cements LeBron's status as one of the all-time greats of the game.