Magic Johnson toasts Lakers for being ‘mentally and physically tougher’ than last season

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the 2026-27 NBA season with a 10-2 record, most recently defeating the Atlanta Hawks 124-114 on the second night of a back-to-back. Lakers legend Magic Johnson praised the team for showing greater mental and physical toughness compared to the previous season. The victory was notable as it came against a strong Eastern Conference opponent under fatiguing circumstances.