The idea of Nikola Jokić teaming up with Luka Dončić sounds like something straight out of a video game. Yet as the NBA offseason rolls on, speculation linking the three-time MVP to the Los Angeles Lakers refuses to disappear.
The latest wave of rumours stems from growing discussion around Jokić’s contract situation and the Lakers’ long-term strategy. With LeBron James departing in free agency and Los Angeles building around Luka Dončić, analysts have begun debating whether the Lakers should make an all-in push for arguably the best player in the world.
It’s an exciting idea.
But at this stage, that’s exactly what it is.
A theory.
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According to Complex, some NBA observers believe the Lakers could eventually put together a historic trade package centred around multiple players, future first-round picks and pick swaps in an attempt to lure Jokić away from Denver. The concept has gathered momentum because of the close friendship between Jokić and Dončić, who have often spoken publicly about their admiration for one another.
The problem?
Denver has shown no indication it wants to trade its franchise cornerstone.
In fact, Jokić moved quickly this week to shut down speculation surrounding his future.
Speaking after Serbia’s FIBA World Cup qualifying victory, the Nuggets superstar made it clear his intention is to remain in Denver for the rest of his career.
“I want to stay in Denver. I want to retire there,” Jokić said after the game, while explaining he intends to delay signing an extension because he becomes eligible for a significantly larger contract next offseason.
That contract is a major factor.
Jokić is currently eligible for a four-year extension, but by waiting another year he could sign what has been reported as the richest contract in NBA history—worth around US$359.5 million over five years.
From Denver’s perspective, there is little incentive to even entertain trade discussions.
The Serbian has transformed the Nuggets into perennial championship contenders, won multiple MVP awards and delivered the franchise’s first NBA title. Players of that calibre simply aren’t made available unless they request a move.
And there is no evidence Jokić has done that.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have already been one of the busiest teams of the offseason.
With Dončić now the face of the franchise, Los Angeles has added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton as it reshapes its roster for the post-LeBron era. Those moves suggest the organisation is focused on building around its new superstar rather than gambling everything on another blockbuster trade.
That doesn’t mean the rumours will disappear.
Any time a generational player delays signing an extension, rival fan bases begin dreaming.
And when that player happens to be close friends with the Lakers’ franchise star, the speculation becomes even louder.
For now, though, the reality is far less dramatic than the headlines suggest.
The Lakers would undoubtedly love to pair Dončić with Jokić.
But unless something changes dramatically in Denver, the NBA’s biggest trade rumour remains exactly that.
A rumour.
