Magic Johnson is finally back in his natural element! The five-time NBA champ has been the loudest voice behind the Purple and Gold. He’s always the first to cheer for the Lakers in victory and never hesitates to support them through tough losses. But Magic’s also their toughest critic when the team falls short of expectations on the court. After the Lakers’ tough 117-95 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, he called out what needed to change, without holding back. Now, following their Game 2 win against the Timberwolves And now, when they won game 2 against the Timberwolves, Magic didn’t hold his praise either.

Game 1 was rough for the Lakers. Anthony Edwards was a straight-up silent assassin, just like Magic Johnson predicted before tip-off. The Lakers actually started strong, but after that first quarter? It all went downhill way too fast on their own home floor. JJ Redick’s squad got bullied, outworked, and lost by 22 points. And Magic wasn’t about to let that slide. He called out the effort and said it was flat-out unacceptable. He even threw a little heat at Redick, saying the rookie coach didn’t adjust the offense when it was clearly falling apart.

But here’s the thing about the playoffs: everything can flip overnight. And in Game 2, the Lakers came out with some real fight. They hustled, they tightened up that defense, and finally started looking like a team that belonged in the postseason spotlight. And despite JJ Redick’s NSFW outburst, Magic changed his tune. He gave credit where it was due and admitted Redick made the right moves this time.

In classic Magic Johnson fashion, he jumped on X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts after the Lakers’ much-needed Game 2 win. Magic posted, “JJ Redick made amazing adjustments in last night’s game first on defense….Coach Reddick had the Lakers move the ball and their bodies on offense…My hat goes off to all the Lakers players and Coach JJ Redick.” 

But Magic wasn’t about to stop there. He made sure to shout out two other major stars from the night.  Johnson tweeted, “Luka Doncic was something special. He had 22 pts at the half and closed the game with 31 points. LeBron chipped in with 21 points.” When the game’s greats talk, fans listen. Magic gave credit where it was due and reminded everyone why basketball nights like these are different.

Magic Johnson drops game on young athletes about dodging the ‘Go Broke’ curse

Olympians might be at the top of their game, but without smart planning, they can fall hard once the spotlight fades. Magic Johnson knows a thing or two about handling success. The Lakers legend has five NBA titles and Olympic gold to prove it.

Speaking with BBC’s Katty Kay, Magic shared some no-nonsense advice for young Olympians chasing fame, fortune, and financial stability. “If you’re earning money, please get you a business manager,” Johnson said. It’s advice he wishes more athletes took seriously. “You’re going to make money so make sure somebody is there who has the knowledge to help you understand,” he added.

He’s got a point. History shows too many athletes struggle to stretch their wealth once their playing days finally wrap up. A 2015 National Bureau of Economic Research study revealed 15.7% of NFL players filed for bankruptcy within 12 years of retiring. NBA players haven’t escaped that fate either, with about 6% declaring bankruptcy within 15 years, according to financial literacy experts.

So when Magic speaks, smart athletes listen. Just ask Shaquille O’Neal, who built his business empire following similar financial advice. Magic’s message is clear: build your game, enjoy your moment, but never forget to lock down your financial future along the way.