The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a critical decision regarding their future as LeBron James approaches the final stages of his illustrious career.
With James entering his age 40 season, the Lakers must consider their next steps as they look to avoid a lengthy rebuild similar to the struggles they faced in the mid-2010s.
Some discussions have centered around the possibility of acquiring Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić once James retires.
A recent report by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor shared that the Lakers will be eyeing one of the best players in the league once James calls it quits, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić.
“I’ve reported on this podcast and on The Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka in the future. We’ll see if that works out. Dallas just made a Finals. Dallas is looking better than ever with their supporting cast.
“That may not work out. But the Lakers, by not trading their future picks, clearly they’re still thinking long term at this point. They’re not going all in as you might expect many teams to do with LeBron James.”
The Lakers are reportedly keeping their options open, especially since they have not traded away their future draft picks, indicating a long-term strategy.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of bringing Dončić to Los Angeles.
Former Lakers champion, Robert Horry, has expressed concerns about the fit. While Dončić is undeniably talented and a prolific scorer, questions remain about his defensive capabilities and overall conditioning.
Horry shared as much in his “Big Shot Bob” podcast.
“You gotta think about this. Luka’s be gonna how old? Like 31, 32? … He ain’t the best defensive player now and that’s the Lakers’ problem!
“You got to have some athletic guys that can play some defense and Luka, he can score the best of them, but we also know you got to take beers out of his hand, because he ain’t the one that stay in shape!”
Currently, Dončić is under contract with the Mavericks for the next three seasons, making any potential trade complicated.
The Lakers have a history of pursuing big-name players, but it remains uncertain whether Dallas would be willing to part with their star player.
As the Lakers navigate this transition period, they must weigh their options carefully. The team’s future hinges on how they manage the end of the LeBron era and whether they can successfully integrate new talent without compromising their competitive edge.
