The Los Angeles Lakers have just gone through a turbulent season with the blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic, one of the biggest trades in NBA history. However, just months after joining the team, the star’s future in Los Angeles has become the focal point of heated debates. According to predictions from Sporting News, an unexpected scenario could unfold: Luka Doncic, considered the “key” player for the Lakers, might leave to join the Denver Nuggets, with the ultimate aim of not only elevating the team but also paving the way for a dominant era led by superstar Nikola Jokic.
Luka Doncic and the Lakers: An Unfinished Journey
Luka Doncic joined the Lakers on February 2, 2025, marking a significant turning point in the franchise’s history. However, the 2024-25 season fell short of expectations. The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, exposing weaknesses in roster depth and defensive capabilities. With Doncic’s contract only guaranteed through the 2025-26 season (with a $46 million player option), the Lakers face pressure to convince him to stay long-term. Otherwise, they risk losing the star for nothing in the summer of 2026.
In this context, some analysts suggest the Lakers might consider trading Doncic this summer to maximize his value. One potential destination is the Denver Nuggets, a team eager to find an “alpha scorer” to share the load with Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic: The Center of All Plans
Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, is the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets. Despite winning the NBA championship in 2023, the Nuggets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2024-25 playoffs. Many believe the team needs a second star to alleviate the pressure on Jokic, who often shoulders both the offensive and playmaking responsibilities.
According to Clutch Points, Luka Doncic is seen as an ideal candidate to pair with Jokic. The two stars not only share a close off-court relationship but also have complementary playing styles. Doncic’s versatile scoring and court vision could make him the perfect piece to form a formidable duo. A proposed trade scenario includes the Nuggets sending Jamal Murray, a former NBA champion, along with other assets to acquire Doncic. While this is considered a “long-shot” due to Denver’s limited trade assets (only one unprotected first-round pick in 2031), the idea has fans buzzing with excitement.
A Bigger Vision: Jokic’s Era
Bringing Luka Doncic to the Nuggets is not just a simple trade—it’s a strategic move to maximize Nikola Jokic’s prime years. At 30 years old, Jokic is expected to dominate the NBA for years to come. A Jokic-Doncic pairing could create an unstoppable offensive force, blending Jokic’s playmaking genius with Doncic’s explosive scoring.
Moreover, changes in the Nuggets’ coaching staff and front office, including the dismissal of head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, signal the team’s determination to rebuild around Jokic. A revamped Nuggets roster featuring Doncic could not only contend for a championship but also reshape the NBA landscape for the next decade.
Challenges and Open Questions
While the idea of trading Doncic to the Nuggets is enticing, it comes with significant challenges. First, the Nuggets’ limited trade assets make it difficult to meet the Lakers’ likely steep demands for a superstar like Doncic. Second, Doncic leaving the Lakers after just one season could spark backlash from fans, especially after the franchise made a historic trade to acquire him.
Additionally, the Lakers face questions about LeBron James’ future, with the veteran reportedly having only one or two seasons left. Building a roster around both LeBron and Doncic, while lacking draft capital (the Lakers don’t own their 2025 first-round pick), is a daunting challenge. If Doncic were to leave, the Lakers would need a long-term plan to rebuild.
Conclusion
The prediction of Luka Doncic joining the Denver Nuggets to support Nikola Jokic is a thrilling yet challenging prospect. For the Lakers, the decision to keep or trade Doncic will shape the franchise’s future for years to come. For the Nuggets, adding a star like Doncic could be the key to unlocking a new era of dominance centered around Nikola Jokic. Whether this scenario becomes reality or not, it has already ignited discussions across the NBA and kept fans glued to the 2025 offseason trade market.