Magic Johnson pinpoints why LA Lakers are really better without LeBron James this season

Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty ImagesLos Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has offered his thoughts on the team’s impressive 10-2 record.After beating the Atlanta Hawks, the LA Lakers moved to the top of the Western Conference. They became the first team in the NBA this season to reach 10 wins.After the win, Skip Bayless posted on X, referring to LeBron James, “The Los Angeles Lakers now have the NBA’s best record. No, they do not miss him.”Magic Johnson has now had his say on the Lakers’ improvement, and he believes the team is simply faster and mentally tougher.He posted: “Last year, the Lakers were a slow team that got beat in transition – but not this season. This team is mentally and physically tougher, and that’s why they’re 10-2!”After losing LeBron James in the offseason, the Lakers were able to use his salary to focus on other areas of the team.They have added more depth and their bench appears stronger than it did last season, with Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton among the additions making an impact.Johnson praises JJ RedickMagic Johnson believes LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick deserves the credit for the improvement, despite Luka Doncic’s incredible performances, averaging 39.3 ppg.Johnson says he has seen signs of development from Redick and is pleased with his impact, now in his third season as a head coach.He posted: “The Lakers’ win over the Hawks yesterday showed that JJ Redick has become a great NBA coach.“His in-game switch from man-to-man to a zone defense changed the trajectory of the game, and he’s outstanding at drawing up plays out of timeouts!”The Lakers are next in action against the Milwaukee Bucks.Read more:‘Hear me out’… Kevin Garnett tells Stephen A. Smith to unite with LeBron James to speak to Donald TrumpJosh Downs celebrates being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs with iconic Vince Carter message‘Greatest agent of all time’… NFL fans react as it emerges Kirk Cousins is being paid by three different teams