Magic Johnson sees similarities between himself and Lonzo Ball

For all of the Jason Kidd comparisons that Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball has received over the last month for his playmaking ability and relaxed demeanor, team president Magic Johnson compared Ball — in one crucial area — to perhaps the greatest point guard of all time: Magic Johnson.

While Johnson’s effervescent “Showtime” personality differs from Ball’s “quiet cat” personality, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday that Ball already compares to the “great ones” because he’s more than lived up to the hype since joining the Lakers.

“Just like me, when I got here, there was pressure,” Johnson said of Ball’s summer league prowess -- two triple-doubles and an MVP award. “I was the No. 1 pick. I didn’t care about that. I am going to play my game. Lonzo is going to play his game. The great ones do.

“The great ones want pressure. Hey, he’s been living in this city his whole life. In high school, won a state championship. Did you know when he went to UCLA, everybody says he better perform. He performed. Now he gets to play for his favorite team in his hometown. So there’s pressure that comes with that. But the great ones eat pressure for breakfast, right? He is a guy that just plays his game. Nothing is going to change.”

And, Johnson added, the best is yet to come. “If he’s getting triple-doubles in the summer league, he is going to get triple-doubles in the regular season.”

Ball sat out Monday's Las Vegas Summer League championship game against the Portland Trail Blazers after suffering a calf injury the day before. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed a mild calf strain, and Ball is expected to miss one to two weeks to recuperate.

As for the Lakers’ future, Johnson is optimistic — largely thanks to the arrival and play of his rookie point guard.

“We are already better,” Johnson said. “I tell you what, I would not want to miss a Lakers game this season. It’s going to be exciting every single night.”

The way Johnson sees it, Ball is both the organization’s missing link as well as the key puzzle piece to build a championship culture.

“Lonzo is special, no question about it, because he makes everyone better,” Johnson said. “He does something you can’t teach. He gives you a scoring pass. Very few point guards in the league can do that. …I like him because he also is now a great teammate. He has a special effect on people."

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