Combining Luka Doncic with Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo is a possible plan for the Los Angeles Lakers
By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
NBA teams are naturally looking beyond the current offseason, considering potential future options, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who may eventually pair Luka Doncic with Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic.
Senior Lakers insider of ClutchPoints, Anthony Irwin, reported on the most recent rumors out of the Lakers and other NBA teams positioning themselves to present a bid for the Freak and the Joker.
While the Lakers and other teams expect Doncic to sign a contract extension, even after EuroBasket 2025, different situations concerning fellow European superstars may emerge over the next summer.
Despite recent speculation surrounding LeBron James, the 40-year-old combo forward is expected to indeed stay with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. However, a departure at the end of his contract next summer, either to retire or switch to another team, would create a favorable salary cap situation to pursue Jokic or Giannis. Other reported teams positioning themselves for such big moves, freeing up cap space, are the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers.
Jokic, 30, is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season and has a player option for the 2027-28 season. He is expected to wait until the next offseason for a contract extension and is likely to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets, but even the slightest possible chance of him entering the trade market is surely appealing for the aforementioned potential suitors.Antetokounmpo, 30, is also under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season and has a player option for the 2027-28 season, placing him in a similar situation to Jokic. Considering constant whispers about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks, his case probably is more likely to evolve during the next offseason.
These rumors are about a possible future, following a 2025-26 season with many possible changes for every involved side.
Before the next NBA season, Doncic, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo are projected to suit up for Slovenia, Serbia, and Greece in the EuroBasket 2025.
