The Los Angeles Lakers’ hopes of forming a European super-duo of Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić appear to have been dashed — at least for now.
Denver Nuggets superstar and three-time MVP Jokić made it clear at the start of training camp that he has no plans to leave the Mile High City anytime soon.
“My plan is to be a Nugget forever,” Jokić told reporters.
That statement effectively cools the Lakers’ long-held 2027 free-agency aspirations. Los Angeles had quietly structured this offseason around the possibility that Jokić might one day hit the open market, dreaming of a future frontcourt anchored by Jokić alongside Dončić, their newly acquired franchise cornerstone.
Lakers’ 2027 Vision Hits a Wall
The Lakers’ front office, led by president Rob Pelinka, had been playing the long game. While Dončić received his three-year, $165 million maximum extension this summer, other offseason additions — Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart — all came on short, two-year deals, keeping the team’s long-term flexibility intact.
But Jokić’s comments may have closed that door before it ever opened.
While he didn’t ink a new extension with Denver this summer, his decision wasn’t about leaving — it was about leverage. By waiting, Jokić stands to gain significantly more. Had he signed now, his extension would have been worth $212 million over four years. Waiting until next offseason could result in a staggering $293 million, a $81 million difference.
“I don’t think about it,” Jokić said about his contract situation. “Contract extensions come as a reward — it’s just part of the business. Especially with how the salary cap keeps growing.”
Bond Between Balkan Stars
Jokić and Dončić share more than MVP-level talent — they share a deep cultural and personal connection. The two have built a friendship rooted in their Balkan heritage and mutual respect, dating back to their time together in the 2020 NBA Bubble.
When the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded Dončić to the Lakers, Jokić was one of the first players to reach out privately to his fellow European star.
GettyNikola Jokić and Luka Dončić talk during a FIBA EuroBasket game.
Their bond has fueled speculation for years about the possibility of them teaming up — a vision that now seems unlikely given Jokić’s declaration of loyalty to Denver.
Pelinka’s Focus Shifts to the Present
Even before Jokić’s comments, Pelinka had hinted that the Lakers might pivot toward the present rather than future hypotheticals. Dončić’s dramatic transformation — both physically and in his EuroBasket dominance — convinced team leadership that their championship window is open now.
“Luka’s play in EuroBasket made it clear he’s on that incredibly short list of ‘best player on the planet’ candidates,” Pelinka said before the Lakers training camp. “Having both Luka and LeBron James gives us optionality — not just for the future, but for right now.”
The Lakers still have limited draft assets — one future first-round pick and up to five pick swaps — but Pelinka emphasized the front office’s readiness to make bold moves if the right opportunity arises.
“If there are smart ways to pour into our championship aspirations for next year, we’ll execute on those,” he said. “With Luka and LeBron, this is an important moment. We’re going to do everything we can to deliver the franchise its 18th championship.”
The Lakers have the sixth-best odds (+1400) at BetUS, the best sportsbook site for beginners according to Gambling Nerd, to win the championship next season. In the Western Conference, they trail the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (+250), Jokić’s Nuggets (+650) and the Houston Rockets (+1200).
Loyalty Over Legacy
For now, Jokić remains fiercely loyal to Denver, where he won his first and the franchise’s first NBA title. With the Nuggets’ new front office reshaping their roster to provide more depth surrounding Jokić, they have better odds of winning than the Lakers right now.
The Lakers may still dream — but with Jokić publicly committing to the Nuggets, those dreams may be destined to stay that way.
Unless the Nuggets‘ season goes sideways. Until then, the Lakers can only dream.
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