“I’m embarrassed for the Lakers.” Three months ago, Magic Johnson vented his frustration over how his former team lost a game by 41 points to the Miami Heat. Fast-forward to today, and the Lakers are on a winning streak and are currently the number two seed in the West. JJ Redick and his team have turned the tide, and no doubt the Laker nation is happy about the turnaround. Even the 5x NBA champion joined in praising the HC, but was unsure if he would win the elusive award.

“The best part for both teams is that they have incredible coaches. Tom Izzo should be Big Ten Coach of the Year, and JJ Reddick should definitely be considered for NBA Coach of the Year although JB Bickerstaff from the Pistons will likely win.” Magic Johnson sent multiple tweets praising his former teams, Michigan State and the Purple and Gold franchise. He was sure about Tom Izzo winning the Big Ten Coach of the Year; however, he thinks Pistons HC will win the NBA award.

Recently, the Detroit coach also won the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February. As per OddsShark, Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers (-750) is in the lead to win the title, but JB Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons (+500) has the second-best chance. The 45-year-old has been part of different coaching capacities in the league since 2004. In 2020, he was promoted to head coach for the Cavaliers, and this year, he signed with the Pistons.

In his debut year with the team, Bickerstaff led the team to a 9-3 record for the month, including going 4-0 on the road. He also led the Pistons to an eight-game win streak, the team’s longest such streak since the 2007-08 season. Knowing this, Magic Johnson thinks that Detroit HC will have a better chance than JJ Redick.

Previously, when rumors about the Lakers in talks with Redick arose, Johnson was cautiously optimistic about the recruitment, “I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Reddick… If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers – this could work out!”

Magic Johnson harped on the Lakers win streak

The NBA icon called it the “best week” of his life because of his former team’s performances. He praised his Spartans for 4-0 against the top 25 teams in the country and was optimistic about their March Madness chances. In a series of tweets, the 65-year-old also praised his Lakers team for their recent performance. “The Lakers went 5-0, beating four playoff-contending teams.”

Plus, in another tweet, Magic Johnson seems impressed with the defensive ability of the JJ Redick team. “While the Lakers are now the 2-seed in the West and haven’t even played their best yet.” He continued to praise both Michigan State and the Lakers. “Both teams defensive schemes and man-to-man rotations have been exceptional, and they have been thriving on creating transition offense/fast break opportunities from turnovers. @MSU_Basketball @Lakers.”

So, from being cautious with the appointment to being embarrassed seeing his former team. Redick’s continued improvement in his rookie year as a coach seems to excite Magic Johnson now. However, his pick for the Coach of the Year remains JB Bickerstaff!