The Los Angeles Lakers would love to pair Nikola Jokic with his good friend Luka Doncic, and those dreams got a bit more real after Jake Fischer reported the three-time MVP may want to hold off on extension talks this summer. Jokic has said he wants to be a Nugget for life, but Denver faces a sticky situation. Jokic has a player option in 2027. If he won’t extend now, the Nuggets risk him walking in free agency with zero return.
This drama is just heating up. Fischer reported Jokic is in no rush to sign a deal because he knows he can sign one next summer, but that isn't how things work in the NBA. The best players don’t get to free agency. Jokic clearly wants the franchise to upgrade their roster, but just like the Bucks with Giannis, the Nuggets are running out of moves. If Denver makes another first-round playoff exit, Jokic may look to move on.
There is no better place to end up than playing with his good friend on the Lakers. Doncic and Jokic would instantly be the best duo in the NBA, and fans know number 77 would use his say to greenlight whatever moves necessary to acquire the Joker. This always felt like a pipe dream, but things just got more real.
The Lakers might just get Nikola Jokic if he declines an extension
Fischer reported Jokic was considering delaying extension talks for another year. Nothing is certain, and the NBA insider was quick to note that the three-time MVP has said he wants to stay his entire career in Denver.
Fans have seen this move before. It just played out in Milwaukee with Giannis. He didn’t want to leave and wouldn’t request a trade, but the Greek Freak pushed his way to the Miami Heat. Not signing an extension heading into the final guaranteed year of a contract makes any player a flight risk. The Lakers and 28 other teams will be lining up to steal the Joker out of Denver if he hits the open market.
This was just the start, and nobody knows for sure what is next. Lakers fans have to feel like they are one of the favorites to land Jokic if he decides to leave Denver. Jokic was into the idea of teaming up with Luka in 2024, but only on the Nuggets. If his stance on the franchise changes, Los Angeles could look mighty appealing.
The Lakers would have the best offense in the NBA with Doncic and Jokic. Teams wouldn’t be able to double, so the superstar duo would have free rein to attack one-on-one. Defenders have no chance, and the two-man game would be a thing of beauty.
The Los Angeles Lakers' dream of acquiring Nikola Jokic got a bit more real after Jake Fischer reported the eight-time All-Star wants to delay his extension talks until 2027. Jokic can become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines his player option, and the Lakers would make whatever moves necessary to pair him with Luka Doncic. It seemed impossible until now. Fans shouldn’t bank on it, but Jokic may just be on the move soon.
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