Lakers' newly-acquired $215 million superstar could leave for Nuggets to help Nikola Jokic
The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash by acquiring a 26-year-old former Dallas Mavericks phenom on Feb. 2. All things considered, the second portion of Los Angeles' season was encouraging.
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The franchise appeared to be a competent Western Conference ball club capable of causing damage in due time.
However, suppose the Lakers' newly acquired 6-foot-6 superstar doesn't like the trajectory the Lakers are on in a few years. In that case, Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus has a hunch he could leave for the Denver Nuggets to help Nikola Jokic.
"Jokic does have a strong relationship with the Lakers' star (Luka Doncic)," Pincus wrote Wednesday. "The thinking is that Doncic isn't the kind of player who prioritizes living in a big city like Los Angeles.'
'Even if Doncic does sign an extension this offseason, Denver might be able to jump in at the right time should Doncic eventually become unhappy in L.A. The Nuggets recently hired former Dallas Mavericks guard JJ Barea as an assistant coach. He earned the position on many levels, but he is also close with Doncic, just as Dorian Finney-Smith was.'
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'The Lakers didn't show Finney-Smith the same respect this summer, as they weren't willing to surpass what the Houston Rockets gave him.'
'The Nuggets may not have as many titles as the Lakers, but the basketball attraction between Doncic and Jokic as teammates works both ways. The Nuggets may not have the draft compensation now to make that kind of deal, but in a few years, perhaps they will find a way to stock up.'
Doncic's willingness to sign a long-term extension with Los Angeles this summer would show that he's all-in on being a Laker.
Doncic, who was well on his way to becoming a Mavericks legend before the franchise completed arguably the most disrespectful trade ever, is slated to be the face of the Lakers once LeBron James retires.
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The five-time All-Star isn't the speedster he was in his slimmer days.
Still, his calm demeanor, one-step-ahead mentality, intelligence in high-ball screen situations, and ability to put his team on his back when the pressure elevates make him a generational NBA phenomenon.
Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists with the Lakers this season, finishing with a 43.8% field goal shooting percentage and a 37.9% three-point shooting percentage.
Although a Doncic and Jokic tandem in Denver would be captivating to witness nightly following James' inevitable exit from the NBA, it's unlikely Doncic will leave an organization that's planning to build a competitive future around him in a large market.
More NBA: Nuggets may cut ties with $207 million star, acquire Lakers' four-time NBA champion forward
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