The Los Angeles Lakers may gain a crucial advantage in their pursuit of Nikola Jokic, thanks to the potential influence of Luka Doncic, sparking hope around the league for a major shift. Jokic, in the midst of the offseason, has chosen to delay contract extension negotiations with the Denver Nuggets, a move primarily driven by financial considerations and Denver’s recent struggles to replicate their 2023 NBA Finals success.
Mark Kiszla of the Denver Gazette highlighted the close relationship developing between Jokic and Doncic, describing them as “brothers from another mother.” This bond could be key to Jokic’s willingness to explore a move away from Denver. Kiszla observed,
“Jokic is built differently than LeBron James or Kevin Durant. Chasing the greener grass or the biggest bag of cash? Joker’s not about that action. He and Denver are a great fit because the bright lights don’t dazzle Jokic. What he cherishes most about basketball is the brotherhood of the game. But that did get me thinking when news broke last week that the Lakers are ready to thank King James for the memories and build their future around Luka Doncic,”
He further added,
“Who is Luka’s basketball brother from another mother? A fondness for Doncic might be the only thing that could tempt Jokic to leave the Nuggets. If they ever joined forces, Luka and Jokic would steamroll the NBA until their wheels fell off.”
Currently, Jokic is entering the third year of a five-year, $276 million deal but holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, making a Lakers pairing with Doncic a difficult possibility at this stage.
LeBron James Expresses Uncertainty Over His Lakers Role Amid Team Changes
LeBron James’ position with the Lakers remains unclear, especially given the discussions surrounding Doncic’s involvement with the franchise. This ambiguity has fueled speculation about the team’s direction and player futures, although other roster options may become more accessible without requiring a trade.
ESPN’s Shams Charania remarked on this dynamic, stating,
“When Luka Doncic goes for Anthony Davis, it was like our AD’s, joining a win-now team in Dallas, Luka Doncic, faces the franchise for the next 8 to 10 years. That was really the vision. But anytime you’re in LA, you’re the Lakers, the goal is to compete for a championship,”
Charania also addressed James’ championship aspirations amid his advancing age and contract situation, saying,
“LeBron James, … he’s at the point of his career – 40 years old, gonna be 41 – he wants to play for a championship next season. He’s made that abundantly clear. His agent, Rich Paul, told me that very directly. He wants a realistic chance to compete for a championship. And so, no matter if he has one year left, two years left, or three years left. He wants to be in that mode, and he feels clearly that the Lakers are more on a futuristic mindset, where does that go?”
In a recent interaction, James offered a vague response about his Lakers future, stating he had “nothing to talk about,” while he remains on a two-year, $101.3 million contract set to expire soon. Charania anticipates significant discussions ahead, remarking,
“I think that that situation will play out over the next two months. I really think there will be some hard conversations eventually that’ll need to happen there.”
Doncic’s Contract Decision Could Deeply Impact Lakers’ Long-Term Plans
Luka Doncic’s future with the Lakers is equally uncertain, with the young star approaching a critical contractual decision. Currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $215.1 million contract, Doncic is eligible to sign a lucrative four-year, $223 million extension this summer or opt for free agency next year. He also has a player option for the 2026-27 season.
ESPN analysts Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne stressed the difficult position this places the Lakers in, commenting,
“The Lakers are keenly aware — as is the rest of the league — that Doncic has a monumental decision to make starting Aug. 2, when he’s eligible to sign an extension with the team,”
They added,
“Doncic can add four more years and $223 million, and the Lakers will assuredly offer exactly that, but he might prefer a three-year $160 million deal instead because it sets up better for future contracts. The Lakers will gladly accept either, though they might have to be patient; Doncic is playing for the Slovenian national team this summer in high-intensity EuroBasket, which runs through mid-September, and his NBA contract business might wait until then.”
The possibility of Doncic seeking alternative paths keeps his status with the Lakers in flux, intensifying speculation about the franchise’s direction.
Nuggets Star Jokic Open to Joining Doncic, but Only in Denver
Despite ongoing chatter about potential partnerships, Nikola Jokic has made it clear he prefers to remain with the Nuggets, keeping any collaboration with Doncic limited to Denver. In a rare public statement, Jokic said,
“I don’t want to leave Denver… If Luka gets pissed off in Dallas, he can come.”
This remark emphasizes Jokic’s loyalty to Denver and indicates that any future pairing with Doncic might hinge on circumstances outside of the Lakers’ control, leaving the Lakers’ attempts to reshape around these stars uncertain.
Implications for the Lakers’ Future Strategy Amid Uncertain Player Commitments
The Lakers are navigating a precarious period, balancing the realities of LeBron James’ career twilight, Luka Doncic’s forthcoming contract decision, and Nikola Jokic’s potential but unlikely availability. James’ desire to compete immediately for a championship contrasts with the franchise’s longer-term focus on a Doncic-centered future, creating tension in the team’s path forward.
Both the Jokic-Doncic connection and James’ intentions underscore a transformative phase in the NBA’s power structure. Should Jokic and Doncic join forces, their impact could dominate the league for years. However, with Jokic’s preference to stay in Denver and Doncic’s pending choice, the Lakers face significant uncertainty in assembling a championship-caliber roster.
As critical contract deadlines approach and conversations intensify over the coming months, the Lakers’ strategy will need to adapt swiftly. How these player commitments unfold will not only shape Los Angeles’ fortunes but could also redefine competitive landscapes across the NBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who unfollowed LeBron James?
A. REST! LeBron considers sleep his top method for helping his body recover and perform at its best daily. He aims to sleep 8 to 9 hours each night. When he cannot meet this goal, he takes naps lasting up to 2.5 hours during the afternoon.
Q. Why did Drake unfollow LeBron James?
A. It seems they could have been correct. James might have upset Drake by going to Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” concert in June. During that period, the ongoing conflict between Drake and Lamar was intense, with both artists releasing diss tracks to outdo one another.