The Los Angeles Lakers are keeping their sights on a major free agency opportunity in 2027 as Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star center and three-time NBA MVP, has decided to delay signing a contract extension with Denver. This move, reported on July 8, has reinvigorated the Lakers’ chances to pursue Jokic when he becomes a free agent, aligning with their recent strategy of preserving cap space for a significant summer signing.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers expect to sign a max-level free agent in 2027, a plan that has influenced their recent roster decisions, including their unsuccessful efforts to re-sign Dorian Finney-Smith this offseason. Jokic’s decision to wait on committing to Denver until next summer allows him to pursue a more lucrative contract and keeps the possibility open that the Lakers could add one of the league’s most dominant players to their roster alongside Luka Doncic.
The Potential Formation of a Jokic-Doncic Duo in Los Angeles
The prospect of pairing Jokic with Luka Doncic in Los Angeles has become a tantalizing scenario. Jokic reportedly reached out to Doncic early on after the Dallas Mavericks traded the European star to the Lakers, reflecting a strong bond between the two. Jokic has passed on a three-year, $200 million extension this offseason, which would have locked him in longer but limited his earning potential. Delaying the signing means Jokic can add a fourth year valued at an estimated $77 million, as noted by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
This dynamic sets the stage for Jokic to become a free agent in 2027 if he chooses not to sign the extension or opt-in to his $62.8 million player option. In such a case, the Denver Nuggets might consider trading him beforehand, especially if their season does not meet expectations. The Lakers are hoping to capitalize on Jokic’s friendship with Doncic to sway his decision.
The hope is that Jokić’s bond with Dončić is why he picks the Lakers. Denver would get most of what the Lakers have in terms of young players and draft compensation,
Eric Pincus, salary cap expert, wrote on July 2.
Denver has actively restructured its roster to support Jokic’s continued success. Key offseason moves include trading Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick for Cam Johnson, signing Tim Hardaway Jr., and bringing back Bruce Brown Jr., who was vital during their 2023 championship run. They also acquired Jonas Valanciunas to serve as Jokic’s backup center.
The Lakers, meanwhile, added former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton as their starting center for the next two seasons, though Ayton’s talent currently falls short of Jokic’s elite level.
Lakers Lead Betting Odds to Acquire Jokic in Free Agency
In the betting markets, the Lakers are highly favored to sign Jokic if he leaves Denver in 2027. Bovada listed Los Angeles as +310 favorites, followed by the New York Knicks at +410 and the Boston Celtics at +800. Other contenders include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors (both +900), Miami Heat (+1100), and Los Angeles Clippers (+1200).
Additionally, the Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz round out the list of potential landing spots, although at much longer odds.
After losing in a hard-fought seven-game series to the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, Jokic was candid about the Nuggets’ championship prospects with their existing core. He told reporters,
I mean, we didn’t, so [we] obviously can’t,
and further added,
If we could, we would win it. I don’t believe in those ‘If, if’ stuff. We had the opportunity; we didn’t win, so I think we can’t.
Following these remarks, Denver responded with a strong offseason aimed at shoring up their roster, signaling their intent to keep Jokic in Mile High City. The coming seasons will be critical in determining whether Jokic stays with the Nuggets or decides to join the Lakers for a high-profile free agency coup.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Nikola Jokic and his wife have a baby?
A. Nikola Jokic has recently welcomed his second child. His wife, Natalija, gave birth to a baby boy.
Q. Is Nikola Jokic’s wife from Serbia?
A. Nikola and Natalija Jokic started their romance in high school in Sombor, Serbia. When Nikola joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015, they relocated to Denver, USA. Natalija has shared photos on Instagram that show their journey together since they were 17.