Magic Johnson -- LeBron Can Be Better Than MJ ... In 'Space Jam'

Good news for LeBron James ... he's got Magic Johnson's vote of confidence when it comes to taking over the 'Space Jam' franchise -- with Magic saying he thinks he can be BETTER than MJ.

Johnson was leaving a fancy brunch at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills (where he took his own mother out in a ridiculousy awesome ride) when we asked him about Bron's new movie gig.

Magic says LBJ's got big shoes to fill, but he's confident James can hang with the original.