Nikola Jokic could be quietly becoming the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ future plan. The three-time MVP represents the kind of transformative star the Lakers hope to pair next to Luka Doncic, once LeBron James' storied career finally comes to an end, at least in Los Angeles.
LeBron James is 40. The King’s reign with the Lakers is winding down, whether we like it or not. After a legendary career that brought Los Angeles a championship and countless unforgettable moments, the clock is ticking louder than ever. LeBron’s final chapter here could be as early as the end of next season. The reality is clear, and it is that the Lakers need a Plan B.
What would plan B look like?
That plan centers on Doncic, the young superstar who is already one of the best players on the planet. Pairing Luka with a true elite teammate and friend could be the blueprint for turning promise into glory.
The Lakers have already started making moves to build around him like signing Deandre Ayton as a solid piece in the frontcourt. But if we are being honest, Ayton has inconsistencies and is no game-changer.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Lakers, like their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers are thinking long-term.
“Neither team wanted to make any moves that cut into its financial flexibility for the future,” Amick wrote. “The most obvious target here is Giannis Antetokounmpo … [or] Denver’s Nikola Jokic, who gave all of his suitors some hope on Tuesday when he informed Nuggets officials that he wouldn’t be signing his extension this offseason.”
What would the Joker mean to the Lakers?
Jokic is the rare kind of superstar who can elevate Luka and change the entire dynamic of the team. Although he is not flashy in the traditional L.A. sense, he is arguably the most unique and skilled big man of this era. Last season, he put up nearly 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists per game, a triple-double threat every night.
If Denver stumbles or the pieces do not fit perfectly, Jokic could be open to a fresh start. The Lakers are betting on that possibility, willing to clear cap space and hold off on other signings, so they are ready to pounce when the moment arrives. Just imagine those two sharing the same court. It definitely would be a defensive nightmare every team would dread.