Top 3 Stars For Lakers to Pair Alongside Luka Doncic After LeBron James
14 hours ago
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The Los Angeles Lakers are in one of the strangest predicaments in the entire NBA. The team is currently trying to win a title but the age difference between their two stars is massive.
Forward LeBron James is 40 years old while guard Luka Doncic is 25. James has discussed retirement in each of the past few offseasons so his time in the NBA is coming to an end soon.
This has the Lakers thinking toward the future while also trying to preserve enough to heavily compete in the present. But once James does call it a career, who could replace him as the star next to Doncic?
Here are three options that Los Angeles could consider.
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
This seems to be a stretch since it’s likely Jokic will play his entire career in Denver but weirder things have happened before. Jokic and Doncic have talked about their desire to play together in the past and what better place to do it than in Los Angeles?
Jokic would be 32 years old when his contract expires but he would still likely be very effective. The multiple-time MVP could bring a new era of showtime to the city of L.A. and help the Lakers go after a few titles alongside Doncic.
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets chat during a free throw in the first half at Ball Arena on November 10,… DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets chat during a free throw in the first half at Ball Arena on November 10, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images
2. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have a big decision to make on Jackson Jr. this offseason and if they were to decide not to offer him an extension, his future with the team could be murky. Jackson Jr. could pair nicely alongside Doncic, giving the Lakers a star big man.
Jackson Jr. can space the floor well while also providing some of the best defense inside the painted area. His contract expires following next season so if the two sides can’t come to terms on a deal, Jackson Jr. could seek a trade.
The Lakers could look to acquire him this way or wait until free agency to outright sign him.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Antetokounmpo is likely the Lakers’ prime target to replace James and for good reason. The Bucks star would compliment Doncic extremely well and give Los Angeles a lethal duo to work with.
The forward would provide extreme defensive ability and athleticism to this Lakers team to pair with the scoring ability of Doncic. Antetokounmpo has two more years on his current contract before he can become a free agent.
With Milwaukee having an aging roster, Antetokounmpo could look elsewhere to continue his NBA career. The duo of Antetokounmpo and Doncic could be one of the best ever, making this idea a real possibility over the next few seasons.
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