The NBA Playoffs are right around the corner and following the massive news of Denver Nuggets firing head coach Mike Malone, L.A. Lakers legend Magic Johnson took to social media to react to the news and to make an early playoff prediction.
“I’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years, and I’ve never seen a season like this! First, two superstars get traded midseason—Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis—and now, two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and Memphis’s Taylor Jenkins, get fired before the end of the regular season, despite their teams already securing playoff spots,” Johnson posted on X.
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He also predicted that if the Golden State Warriors and the Lakers are on opposite ends of the bracket, then they will face each other in the Western Conference Finals.
“I cannot wait for the NBA Playoffs to start. This postseason will be one for the ages!” Johnson posted. “I predict that if the Warriors and the Lakers end up in opposite brackets, they’ll be playing each other in the Western Conference Finals. It’ll be must-see TV in the East and the West!”
Both the Lakers and Warriors have altered their franchise in a major way this season and both squads seem primed for a strong playoff run. If the playoffs started today, the Lakers and Warriors would face each other in the first round.
Regardless of how the standings play out, we are guaranteed to have an exciting 2025 NBA Playoffs.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

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