Derek Fisher deems LeBron James' late-career renaissance as his "Magic Johnson era" originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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As a 41-year-old player, LeBron James can still dominate a game at the highest level. He continues to be a physical marvel as he is still playing at an elite level despite playing for over 20 years in the NBA. In Game 1 of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, LeBron was truly the game-changer for the Los Angeles Lakers.
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In only the first quarter, LeBron already had eight assists to his name. He was setting up his teammates well, as he finished the game with 13 assists. The Lakers won the game 107-98, as the Lakers had all their starters scoring in double figures, headlined by Luke Kennard's 27 points.
Derek Fisher compares LeBron James to Magic Johnson
Throughout his career, LeBron has received comparisons to all types of players. He has proven to be a unique player with his combination of physical gifts and elite basketball IQ. However, one player comes to mind with the most similarities, and that is fellow Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
While LeBron is a much better scorer than the five-time champion, they do have similarities in their size and playmaking ability. Now that LeBron is an older player who is more focused on playmaking, Lakers legend Derek Fisher thinks that this LeBron run is reminiscent of Magic.
MORE: LeBron James is prepared for the Houston Rockets in this series
James is proving himself to be one of the best playmakers in the Playoffs. It was only one game, but he was truly manipulating the Rockets' defense. This was proof that James can change the game, even if he is the oldest player on the floor.
"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," Fisher said on the Lakers' post-game show.
"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."
It is a fantastic comparison to make because James has truly defied everyone's expectations. He is still playing at this level at 41, and it seems he is still ready to play for more years. The King is still here, and he is ready to keep playing, albeit in a different role than before.
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