Luka About To Be Eligible To Sign
As Luka Dončić becomes eligible to sign a long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on August 2, uncertainty is beginning to cloud his future in purple and gold. The Slovenian star, who is currently focused on representing his country in the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket, may take his time before putting pen to paper.
Though the Lakers boast a solid roster, they’re not viewed as true title contenders. Their early playoff exit—losing in five games in the first round—only intensified questions about the team’s current direction. According to one Western Conference executive, Los Angeles may risk alienating Dončić if it prioritizes chasing future stars over building a championship-caliber team now.
“The Lakers have to be careful,” the executive said. “Luka just got his butt kicked by a team he handled easily last year, and now they’re telling him to wait another year before he can really compete.”
Nuggets Could Be On The Look
That team is the Denver Nuggets, and according to the same executive, they could emerge as a serious contender to steal Dončić away. The Nuggets, who won the NBA title two seasons ago, are widely seen as one of the winners of this offseason. They traded Michael Porter Jr. for versatile forward Cam Johnson and added Bruce Brown Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valančiūnas in free agency.
More importantly, they still have Nikola Jokić, who many consider the best player in the world. Jokić just became the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double across a season.
Lakers Looking For New Players as Well
While the Lakers did address their need for a center by acquiring Deandre Ayton—whose pick-and-roll potential with Dončić could be intriguing they have not improved as significantly as Denver. Their long-rumored plan to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jokić in the near future could send a discouraging message to Dončić.
“If Denver wins it all or comes close while Rob Pelinka makes it clear he doesn’t believe in Luka and LeBron as a combo,” the executive added, “they could be a real threat for him this next season or two.”
With Dončić’s opt-out clause looming next summer, the Lakers’ decisions in the coming months could shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
