As LeBron James prepares to enter his 22nd season in the NBA, tying Vince Carter’s record for longevity, the LA Lakers are reportedly already planning for a future without their aging superstar (replacing LeBron James) . Despite signing a two-year contract extension this offseason, which includes a player option for the 2025-26 season, LeBron’s eventual departure seems inevitable. The Lakers, it appears, are not content to wait idly by. Instead, they have set their sights on one of the league’s brightest young stars: Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.
This intriguing development was revealed by NBA analyst and podcaster Kevin O’Connor on a recent episode of “The Mismatch” on The Ringer. According to O’Connor, the Lakers are quietly positioning themselves to make a play for Doncic, viewing the Slovenian sensation as the ideal successor to LeBron in the storied franchise.
“I’ve reported on this podcast and on The Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka in the future,” O’Connor said. “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.”
Luka Doncic: The Next King of Hollywood?
Luka Doncic, the 24-year-old Dallas Mavericks superstar, has already established himself as one of the most talented and versatile players in the NBA. With a blend of skill, basketball IQ, and flair for the dramatic, Doncic has drawn comparisons to legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. However, the idea of him potentially donning the purple and gold of the Lakers raises eyebrows across the league.
Doncic is currently under contract with the Mavericks and is eligible to sign a supermax extension next summer. However, if he declines, he could become a free agent after the 2025-26 season, coinciding with the timeline of LeBron’s potential exit from the Lakers. This possibility has Lakers fans dreaming of a future where Doncic takes the reins from LeBron, continuing the franchise’s tradition of marquee superstars.
While the Mavericks are fresh off an NBA Finals appearance and have bolstered their roster with key additions like Klay Thompson, there have been rumblings about Doncic’s long-term satisfaction in Dallas. Earlier this year, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that there were fears within the Mavericks organization that Doncic could request a trade if the team didn’t show signs of improvement. The Finals run may have alleviated those concerns temporarily, but the lure of Los Angeles could still loom large in the years to come.
LeBron James: A Historic Season Amidst Uncertainty
As for LeBron James, the upcoming season is set to be historic on multiple fronts. Not only is he on the brink of setting records for longevity and career achievements, but he’s also on the cusp of sharing the court with his eldest son, Bronny James. If and when they do, they will become the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously, a milestone that will undoubtedly add another chapter to LeBron’s already legendary career.
However, doubts persist about LeBron’s ability to lead the Lakers to another championship, particularly given the team’s offseason moves—or lack thereof. Despite hiring a new head coach in JJ Redick, a rookie in the coaching world, the Lakers have not made significant roster improvements. This has led to skepticism about their chances in a highly competitive Western Conference.
LeBron’s legacy is secure, but the question remains: How much longer can he perform at an elite level? And when the time comes for him to step down, will the Lakers be able to seamlessly transition to a new era with a star like Doncic, or will they face the harsh realities of a post-LeBron rebuild?
The Lakers’ Long Game:
The Lakers’ reported interest in Doncic is a clear indication that they are thinking beyond the LeBron era. Unlike many teams that go all-in when they have a superstar of LeBron’s caliber, the Lakers have been cautious, preserving future draft picks and keeping their options open. This strategy suggests that they are not merely looking to capitalize on LeBron’s remaining years but are also planning for sustained success in the post-LeBron era.
While the prospect of Luka Doncic in a LA Lakers uniform is purely speculative at this point, it reflects the high stakes and complex dynamics of NBA team-building. For the Lakers, securing a player like Doncic would be a masterstroke, ensuring that the franchise remains a powerhouse long after LeBron hangs up his sneakers.
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