The Los Angeles Lakers have positioned themselves for another potential superstar pairing — this time with Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic at the center of the vision.
Doncic recently officially signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers. The deal includes a player option in 2028, aligning him with the summer that Jokic could also hit free agency.
Jokic declined a three-year, $206.4 million early extension from the Denver Nuggets this offseason. Although Nuggets executives have downplayed any concern, the decision creates a scenario in which both Doncic and Jokic could opt out and explore the open market simultaneously.
The timing is critical. If both players decline their respective options, they would be eligible to sign in 2028 — the same summer Doncic could command a five-year, $417 million supermax deal.
ClutchPoints highlighted the symmetry on social media, noting the Lakers’ history of elite big-man and playmaker duos: West and Chamberlain, Magic and Kareem, Shaq and Kobe, LeBron and Davis. A Jokic-Doncic tandem would be the most expensive yet, and perhaps the most skillful.
The Lakers traded for Doncic at the 2025 trade deadline. Since then, he has played a central role in reshaping the franchise’s direction, including helping recruit Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton during free agency.
Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, and new owner Mark Walter were instrumental in securing Doncic’s commitment.
Jokic, 30, is under contract through 2028 but holds a player option that summer. Spotrac’s Keith Smith reported that the three-time MVP is simply taking a calculated financial route — opting to delay an extension for a more lucrative four-year deal in 2026. However, The Athletic’s Sam Amick cautioned that Denver should avoid complacency, noting that no NBA future is guaranteed.
Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists over 70 games last season. In the playoffs, he posted 26.2 points, 12.7 boards, and 8.0 assists per game.
Doncic, meanwhile, averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in his first 28 games as a Laker. He added 30.2 points per game in the postseason.
For the Lakers to unite the two superstars in 2028, it would require aggressive cap management, strategic roster decisions, and possible salary sacrifices from both stars.
But the framework is already in motion. If both superstars are open to aligning in Los Angeles, the league’s next iconic duo may already be taking shape.
