Justin Magnaye’s “00 Lakers” Is a Comeback Anthem with Championship Swagger

Every artist hits that crossroads moment, the “what now?” or “am I still built for this?” phase. But the real ones don’t fold. They study the game, tighten their circle, and come back hungrier. Justin Magnaye’s latest single, “00 Lakers,” is that comeback energy bottled into a three-minute flex. Smooth. Focused. Unapologetically dominant.

Magnaye isn’t just genre-hopping for the hell of it. This isn’t a trend-chasing move; it’s a rebirth. Coming off his early work rooted in indie-pop and dreamy melodies, he’s now fully stepping into a more mature, gritty, R&B-forward sound. Think Bazzi with bite. Anderson .Paak with intent. It’s sexy, but it’s also strategic. “00 Lakers” is where Justin swaps soft nostalgia for hard truths, and he makes it sound effortless.

From the jump, the track is coated in slick production, minimalist but punchy. Velvet keys, tight percussion, and a vocal performance that oozes confidence without ever crossing into arrogance. He’s not begging for your attention. He’s commanding it. This is what it sounds like when someone’s spent time in the shadows and is finally ready to burn bright. And the concept? Gold.

The 2000 Lakers weren’t just champions, they were unshakeable. Kobe and Shaq in their prime. A team that dominated the court and rewrote the rules. Justin takes that exact energy and applies it to his own artistic grind. But here’s where it gets genius: he doesn’t just mention Kobe and Shaq like every other artist trying to name-drop their way into credibility, he shouts out all 15 players from the 2000 Lakers roster. That’s not just detail, that’s dedication.

It tells us one thing: he knows this isn’t a solo game. Every move he’s making is with a team mentality, with long-term goals. No gimmicks, no shortcuts, just legacy. And lyrically, “00 Lakers” is layered. Beneath the confident delivery are reflections of self-doubt, creative rebirth, and the grind it took to get back to this moment. It’s not just a song about success; it’s about the process of earning your seat again. There’s vulnerability in that. But instead of wallowing, Justin flips it into motivation. Every bar is a shot taken and made.

“I hope people hear ‘00 Lakers’ and feel that fire again… Whether you're grinding in silence or stepping into your spotlight, I want this track to remind you: you're built for greatness.” — Justin Magnaye

And honestly? That’s exactly what it does. Whether you’re in your villain arc, your redemption season, or just waking up every day with something to prove, this song fits. It’s tailored for those moments when you’ve been overlooked, underestimated, and now? You’re walking into the room like you own it.

00 Lakers is a soundtrack for the self-made. A reminder that comebacks hit harder when they’re rooted in truth, teamwork, and tunnel vision. Justin Magnaye isn’t just reinventing himself; he’s building something that lasts. And if this track is the blueprint for his next album, “Loverboy”, the game’s about to shift.

You name-drop the entire 2000 Lakers roster in this track—be honest, how many did you know off the top of your head vs. how many did you Google?

I knew a good chunk off the top—Kobe, Shaq, Fisher, Horry, Fox—those were household names growing up. But to be honest? Some of the bench players I definitely had to double-check. I wanted to give the whole squad their flowers, not just the stars. There’s something about honoring the full team, because even the guys who didn’t play every night still contributed to that dynasty.

If your “Loverboy” era had a dress code, what would people be wearing to the listening party? Be specific.

Picture this: vintage leather jackets, low-rise jeans, silver chains, and a little Y2K flair. Think “R&B bad boy meets 2000s runway.” Girls in baby tees with rhinestones, guys in mesh jerseys or velour tracksuits, but make it fashion. A lot of denim. A lot of attitude. It’s confident, nostalgic, and a little bit dangerous, in the best way.

What’s the most non-musical thing that inspired “00 Lakers”? A breakup? A game of 2K? A random shower thought?

It actually came from feeling underestimated. I was going through a season where I felt like people had counted me out. That frustration reminded me of the ‘00 Lakers run, especially how they turned it up in the playoffs. It wasn’t from a breakup or 2K, it was more of a prove-it-to-myself moment. I had something to say, and I wanted to say it loud. So then I thought of the "venom in my veins like my name is Bryant" line in the shower.

Which artist would you want on a ‘00 Lakers (Remix), strictly someone who can match that same comeback energy?

Joyner Lucas would body that. Or maybe someone like J. Cole, he’s calculated but cuts deep. If we’re going full energy, though, I could also see someone like Travis Scott flipping it in a way nobody expects. I just need someone who’s hungry and has something to prove. That’s the energy.

If Kobe were alive and heard this track, what do you hope he’d say after listening? 

I’d hope he’d say, “I felt that.” That it wasn’t just name-dropping, it was about the mindset. The discipline. The redemption arc. If he saw that I wasn’t trying to glorify the fame but capture the heart of the comeback, I’d feel like I did him justice.

What's next for you?

“Loverboy” is just the beginning. I’ve got visuals, shows, maybe even a short film in the works. This project is a whole world, and I’m finally in a place where I can build it without holding back. I’m not chasing trends, I’m trying to create moments. So buckle up.