If Magic stayed, would the Lakers have won a championship earlier? (Shaq/Kobe/Magic)

[Im Still Ballin]

They went 56-26 in 1996-1997, and 61-21 in 1997-1998.

Magic played 32 games in 1995-1996; the team went 22-10 with him: that's a 56.4 win-pace. Without him, they went 31-19: good for a 50.8 win-pace. Overall, they went 53-29.

Individually, here's how he played:

- He -- in 29.9 minutes per game -- put up an average of 14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.

- He led the team with a 61.2 TS%. Also led the team with a 5.2 BPM.

- In the playoffs, he was 2nd (on the team) in TS% and BPM.

Conclusion: he was still Magic: a hugely impactful all-time great.

Now, let's say they, hypothetically speaking, get Shaq and Kobe, and Magic stays on.

How much better are they? Could they beat Utah and/or Chicago in 97 or 98? What about San Antonio in 99?

I think it's likely they face the Bulls in 97 or 98. Magic was still awesome; could you imagine how well he'd play with Shaq? Like he did with Kareem -- awesome.

I'm not sure if they beat Chicago though.

[Im Still Ballin]

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[Lakers Legend#32]

Without a doubt.

[j3lademaster]

I remember Magic still being pretty good in... was it 1996? If he didn't miss like 5 seasons he'd be in better shape and his shooting would have continued to develop. Probably play him at the 4 on defense and he'd have pg duties on top of being Shaq's spot-up shooter on offense. They would definitely beat the 98 Bulls, that squad for a championship winner really wasn't that great.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Tough to say. Magic was still great given his age and minutes played, but he also caused a bit of strife.

The year prior, Ceballos got jealous of Magic taking his shots away, and went MIA on the Lakers. Literally vanished from the team and was later suspended. He got stripped from being a 'co-captain' then was traded the following year. Van Exel wasn't thrilled with Magic taking his minutes either and pouted. Del Harris and Magic also threw shade at one another in the media.

Shaq had a bigger ego than ALL those guys.

Magic played a lot of point forward in 96, and did most of his work in the post. Ultimately, I think he and Shaq could have worked, but not for long with Kobe's emergence (who was already unhappy with coming off the bench). LA likely meet Chicago in the finals. That first year or in 98.

Would have been a fun team to watch though. No doubt.