The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly planning for life after LeBron James and have idenfitifed their next superstar target — Luka Doncic.
The Slovenian superstar, alongside Kyrie Irving, led the Mavericks all the way to the NBA Finals last season, going down to a star-studded Celtics outfit 4-1.
As it stands, Doncic has a player option for the 2026-27 season, but he’s eligible for a supermax extension as soon as the next off-season. That contract could be worth over $340 million ($500m AUD).
The Mavericks will be desperate to retain him, but according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the LA powerhouse have their eyes on him.
“I’ve reported on this podcast and on The Ringer how they have their sights set for Luka [Dončić] in the future,” O’Connor said on The Mismatch podcast.
“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 are still thinking long-term at this point. They’re not going all in like you might expect many teams to do with James.”
Bam Adebayo and LeBron James of Team United States attend the Women’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
James remains the face of the NBA but is in the final stage of an incredible career.
What’s more is his goal of playing with son Bronny James could be achieved in the upcoming season after the Lakers drafted him in the second round.
He signed a $99 million ($145m AUD) two-year contract this off-season, and that includes a player option for the second campaign.
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Should he achieve his dream of playing in the NBA alongside his son, it’s realistic to believe James could call it quits after the 2024-25 season.
Doncic, meanwhile, is enjoying his time in Dallas and now has a strong supporting cast around him.
Irving has been impressive, while the addition of Derrick Lively was a huge bonus for the Mavericks last season.
Throw in the mix Klay Thompson arriving this off-season and Dallas are only going to be stronger and are one of the leading contenders for the 24/25 title.
According to NBC Sports, Doncic is more than likely going to extend his time with the Mavericks, but the Lakers are reportedly waiting patiently to make their move.
