It has been three months since Lakers great Magic Johnson ascended to fill the president of basketball operations position in the franchise he personally helped deliver five championships for. And it is no big secret that the first blockbuster move he'll make will come when he selects what rookie he'll select to run the floor in L.A. with the team's number two overall draft pick in June. Many suspect that the former Showtime point guard will be handing a gold and purple jersey to Lonzo Ball, and judging by some of the praise he's been giving LaVar's boy, it would appear they're more likely right than not.

Fans will note the numerous Magic sightings at UCLA games this past NCAA season, in assuming that he's gotten a good enough look at the kid to evaluate his talent. And who would question whether one of the game's greatest facilitators has a natural eye for a gifted passer/scorer?

During an appearance on ESPN's Mornings with Keyshawn, Jorge, and LZ, Johnson was asked whether there were any players in this year's draft class who reminds him of himself. "That's easy, Lonzo Ball," Magic reportedly responded. While a field that includes Washington's Markelle Fultz, Kansas' Josh Jackson, and Kentucky's De'Aaron Fox doesn't make Lonzo a shoe-in for the second overall pick, there may be no clearer evidence on how much Magic and the Lakers favor Ball than to place him in Johnson's likeness.

Magic's response immediately stirred a reaction from the basketball world, with most, including Paul Pierce feeling like he was gassing Lonzo's head, or in the least, being too humble. "Lonzo can't make these passes: behind the back, behind the neck, through the legs, come on Magic. You're selling yourself short Magic. This guy is good, but he's no Magic Johnson, he's more Jason Kidd," Pierce said while on ESPN’s The Jump.

Source: youtube.com