Nikola Jokić and the Los Angeles Lakers have become one of the hottest talking points of the NBA offseason. But with rumours flying across social media and US media outlets, how realistic is a move that would pair the three-time MVP with Luka Dončić?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Are the Lakers Being Linked to Nikola Jokić?
The rumours stem from two major developments.
Firstly, Jokić has delayed signing a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, despite becoming eligible to do so this offseason.
Secondly, the Lakers have committed their future to Luka Dončić following LeBron James’ departure, with reports suggesting the franchise is positioning itself to chase another superstar over the next 12 to 24 months.
Those two stories quickly merged into one.
Fans and analysts began speculating about the possibility of reuniting two of Europe’s biggest stars—Jokić and Dončić—on the same team.
Why Has Jokić Delayed His Contract Extension?
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This is where many rumours have become misleading.
Jokić has not delayed his extension because he wants to leave Denver.
Instead, the financial incentive to wait is enormous.
Speaking after Serbia’s FIBA World Cup qualifier, Jokić explained that waiting another year would allow him to sign a five-year extension worth approximately US$359.5 million, compared with the four-year extension currently available.
Just as importantly, he shut down suggestions he was looking for a new team.
“I want to stay in Denver. I want to retire there,” Jokić said after Serbia’s victory.
Those comments significantly weaken the idea that a trade is imminent.
Why Are the Lakers Still Being Mentioned?
The Lakers are one of the few franchises that almost always appear whenever a superstar becomes available.
The speculation has intensified because:
- Luka Dončić is now the face of the franchise.
- Jokić and Dončić have a close friendship from their time representing the Balkans and have publicly praised one another.
- The Lakers have been aggressive in reshaping their roster around Dončić following LeBron’s exit.
Several NBA analysts have floated hypothetical trade packages involving multiple players and future first-round picks, while others believe the Lakers are preserving long-term flexibility in case a superstar such as Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo ever becomes available.
At this stage, however, these are proposed scenarios, not reports that Denver is actively negotiating.
Would Denver Ever Trade Jokić?
Right now, there is no credible evidence suggesting the Nuggets are looking to move him.
Why would they?
Jokić has:
- Won three NBA MVP awards.
- Led Denver to its first NBA championship.
- Become the greatest player in franchise history.
- Averaged a triple-double across the past two seasons.
Players of that calibre are almost never traded unless they request a move.
There is no indication Jokić has done that.
Could the Lakers Actually Afford Him?
It would almost certainly require one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
Los Angeles has already spent significant draft capital building around Dončić, including acquiring Walker Kessler this offseason. While the Lakers still possess trade assets, any deal for Jokić would likely involve multiple players, future first-round selections and pick swaps.
Even then, Denver would need to agree.
That remains the biggest obstacle.
So, How Realistic Are the Rumours?
At the moment, not very.
There is a huge difference between:
- NBA insiders discussing a hypothetical future fit.
- Fans creating trade proposals.
- An actual trade becoming likely.
Currently, only the first two have happened.
The strongest evidence we have comes from Jokić himself, who has publicly stated he wants to spend his entire career in Denver.
Could circumstances change in the future?
Absolutely.
NBA history has repeatedly shown that no superstar is completely untouchable.
But based on everything currently known, the Lakers-Jokić rumours are being driven far more by possibility than probability.
For now, Denver fans can breathe easy.
The NBA’s biggest blockbuster remains exactly what it is today:
A fascinating rumour.
