Amid all the chatter of the Lakers and LeBron James going their separate ways, a bigger story may be brewing beneath the surface. An anonymous Western Conference executive believes that Luka Doncic, who could become a free agent in 2026, could potentially leave for the Nuggets to link up with his good friend Nikola Jokic, especially if the Mile High City-based franchise wins the 2026 NBA title.
“The Lakers have to be careful,” the exec told Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.
“Luka just got his butt kicked by a team [Timberwolves] he handled easily last year and now they’re telling him to wait another year before he can really compete. If Denver wins it all or comes close while Rob makes it clear he doesn’t believe in Luka and LeBron as a combo, they could be a real threat for him this next season or two.”
Lakers, Luka Doncic Contract Options
The Lakers will be eligible to offer Doncic a contract extension on August 2. The Slovenian star will have three options: sign a four-year deal worth $229 million, a three-year contract worth up to $165 million, or wait until the 2026 offseason to sign a five-year, $259 million extension as an unrestricted free agent.
According to multiple insiders, Doncic is most likely to sign a three-year deal, as such a move would enable him to secure significantly more coin in 2028.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon does not believe it’s a foregone conclusion that Doncic will choose to stay with the Lakers, a team he did not grow up wanting to play for. The 26-year-old had previously expressed a desire to spend his entire career in Dallas.
“This is not a mere formality. This is the first time that Luka Doncic really has a decision to make in terms of the contract,” he told “NBA Today,” via SportsRush.
“There’s no supermax eligibility that blew up when the Mavericks shanked him in the back and shipped him to LA,” MacMahon added.
Doncic Busy Preparing for EuroBasket
MacMahon further warned Doncic’s impending free agency could become the focal point of the 2025-26 season if the five-time All-Star doesn’t sign an extension before training camp.
“This will be an indication of what kind of faith that Luka Doncic has in that Lakers front office,” he stressed. “Coming off the rookie deal, guys sign rookie extensions. Do you want to take a supermax, or do you want to take a qualifying offer or go into restricted free agency? That’s not a difficult decision.”
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst expects the contract drama to extend way beyond the August 2 date, given that Doncic will be in Europe for the EuroBasket.
“I would not expect it to happen that early. He’s playing for the Slovenian national team. Do not freak out if you do not hear from Luka contractually until September,” he told “NBA Today” on July 15.
According to multiple insiders, the Lakers also have a desire to pair up Jokic and Doncic in the 2027 offseason when the Nuggets star could become a free agent. Both European stars have expressed interest in playing together on multiple occasions.
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