The Los Angeles Lakers are in an interesting spot right now. Despite making a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2023, they took a step back last season. Even though they had a 47-35 record, a four-game improvement from the 2022-23 season, they lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. They made some big moves, such as re-signing LeBron James to a two-year contract and hiring JJ Redick as their next head coach. However, outside of that, the team did very little to get closer to championship contention. Their core is likely set in stone and will be until James leaves the team or retires. Because of this, the Lakers will eventually have to focus on their post-James plans. However, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, they have the exact player they want to build around–Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
In a recent episode of The Mismatch, O’Connor reported that the Lakers are reportedly eyeing Doncic for after James departs from the team (YouTube link).
“I’ve reported on this podcast and on the Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka in the future. We’ll see if that works out. Dallas just made a Finals. Dallas is looking better than ever with their supporting cast. That may not work out. But the Lakers, by not trading their future picks, clearly they’re still thinking long-term at this point. They’re not going all in like you might expect many teams to do with LeBron James.”
Lakers Have “Sights Set” on Perennial MVP Candidate
The Los Angeles Lakers Offseason So Far
The Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft. On the flip side, they lost Spencer Dinwiddie to the Mavericks and Taurean Prince to the Milwaukee Bucks. Additionally, there were many rumors that never came to fruition for the Lakers. Arguably the biggest one was the possible addition of Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell. However, after he signed a contract extension with the team, this is out of the picture. The Lakers also reportedly had interest in Klay Thompson before he joined the Mavericks. There were a few other players the Lakers reportedly wanted but could not acquire. This includes DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jerami Grant, who nearly got traded to the Lakers this offseason.
With the 2024-25 season just a few months away, the Lakers still have time to make a big trade. However, as it stands, it seems increasingly unlikely.
Could the Lakers Land Luka Doncic?
Doncic currently has three years remaining on his five-year, $215 million contract. This includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. Doncic just led the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. Additionally, he is only getting better and is likely a lock to bring home the NBA MVP award at any point soon. The chance of Dallas trading Doncic to the Lakers is as close to 0% as possible. Additionally, Doncic will soon be eligible for a supermax contract worth roughly $346 million over five years. This is a contract he can only receive from the Dallas Mavericks.
It is good for the Lakers to think about their future. However, the idea of adding Doncic is likely a pipedream the Lakers should move past.
