The Los Angeles Lakers have Luka Doncic under contract for at least two more seasons, but other teams believe that’s when his time with the franchise will end. Doncic signed an extension to remain in Los Angeles after the shocking trade of the Dallas Mavericks sending him there. The Lakers built a new roster completely around the strengths and weaknesses of Luka to hopefully keep him long-term.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed the following details:
“Just like [Nikola Jokic] can profess his loyalty to the Denver Nuggets, there’s still going to be teams that are positioning themselves and monitoring that and all that kind of thing. It’s the same thing with Luka. He’s done nothing but express optimism and excitement about the Lakers since he signed that extension.
But it’s not that long-term of an extension. And you better believe there’s teams around the league that are looking at that situation saying, ‘Hey, if this thing goes sideways, we’d sure like to get Luka in midway through his prime.’”
MacMahon referenced Jokic’s situation with the Nuggets as one that every NBA team is monitoring. Many believe the Lakers regressed in talent this offseason after losing LeBron James and five other rotation players. Doncic would have reason to leave if the Lakers don’t contend over the next two seasons.
How The Lakers Can Keep Luka Doncic
Winning remains the biggest key for Doncic’s future with the Lakers. Many view Luka as the best active player yet to win an NBA Championship or an MVP Award. Peers like Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have won both as the premiere players of the league.
The Lakers must hope the risky plan of investing in talents like Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes will lead to victories this season. If not, big trades must come fast next offseason ahead of a must contend season before Doncic has a player option to hit free agency.
Austin Reaves could be the key to everything as the second star on the roster after the departure of LeBron. Either Reaves will be good enough as a co-star to contend or he’ll be the first piece trades for better talent due to his contact and youth.
Why Teams Believe Luka Doncic May Leave
Winning is also the answer to the negative side of Doncic’s story. A lack of winning in Los Angeles would see him wanting out to find a situation where he contends for an NBA Championship to cement his status in the league.
Teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are the dominant West teams to make it harder for other teams to contend. Luka could follow LeBron’s blueprint from this offseason of going to the easier conference to improve his title chances.
Regardless of the future, the Lakers have two years to prove they can be a contender. It is good to have pressure of other teams planning to go after Doncic. Head coach JJ Redick and General Manager Rob Pelinka must be proactive and react on the fly to figure out a path towards contention.
Teams Planning For Luka Doncic To Leave Lakers Soon