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By Sam Garcia
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Magic Johnson is happy with the route the Los Angeles Lakers have taken since NBA legend LeBron James left the team in free agency this summer.
While James decided to join a stacked Philadelphia 76ers squad, the Lakers' offseason has been focused on acquiring young talent.
As part of a youth-focused rebuild, the Lakers signed forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and guards Matisse Thybulle, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. Los Angeles also landed center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz.
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"I said this offseason the Lakers had to get younger, more athletic, and faster, and they did just that.
"We got a young, athletic center in Walker Kessler who can score and is a great rim protector, and I was so happy they signed two-time All Defensive player Matisse Thybulle! I’ve enjoyed watching the two young players Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. Sexton’s speed and quickness, and Grimes’ scoring and defense make them two great pickups for the Lakers!" Johnson wrote on X on Monday.
Lakers Also Extended Austin Reaves
The Lakers' biggest move of the offseason was agreeing to a four-year, $180 million contract extension with guard Austin Reaves. The 28-year-old will be strong partner for 27-year-old superstar Luka Doncic over the next few seasons.
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In addition to James, the Lakers lost multiple other key players in free agency this summer like Marcus Smart (Houston Rockets), Deandre Ayton (Washington Wizards), Rui Hachimura (LA Clippers) and Luke Kennard (Phoenix Suns).
Therefore, Reaves will need to take on a much larger role for the Lakers next season.
"Everybody knows it's a completely different team," Reaves said to reporters in mid-July, per ESPN. "There's going to be different things asked of different people, and if that's what JJ [Redick] and the staff asks of me, I'll do it to the best of my ability."
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