The Los Angeles Lakers’ gamble on Luka Doncic may already be on the clock. With LeBron James‘ future uncertain and the Lakers reportedly focusing on building a title team by 2026 or 2027, a rival Western Conference executive has sounded the alarm, warning that if the Lakers fail to contend this season, they could lose Doncic to a rising power: the Denver Nuggets.
The comment, reported by Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, came with a sharp tone of realism:
“The Lakers have to be careful. Luka just got his butt kicked by a team he handled easily last year, and now they’re telling him to wait another year before he can really compete.”
“If Denver wins it all or comes close while Rob makes it clear he doesn’t believe in Luka and LeBron as a combo, they could be a real threat for him this next season or two.”
The executive was referring to Denver’s swift offseason moves. After suffering an injury-plagued and underwhelming finish to the 2025 Playoffs, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson and built one of their most balanced rosters to date.
Jonas Valanciunas signed on to anchor the bench, while veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. accepted minimum contracts to join the team. The moves signal that Denver is in win-now mode and could be laying the groundwork for something bigger.
And by “bigger,” the league is talking about Luka Doncic.
Doncic, 26, is eligible to sign a $165 million three-year extension or a $229 million four-year extension with the Lakers. Multiple reports suggest that L.A. is confident he’ll put pen to paper, and they intend to pair him with another star in 2026 or a possible superstar in Project 2027, where they will have the most cap space.
Names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic have been floated, albeit more as dreams than realities. But while the Lakers are looking ahead, the Nuggets are already building a roster that could make Doncic think twice.
Especially if the Lakers stagnate this season.
Though the Doncic-LeBron pairing is elite on paper, questions persist about whether it’s sustainable long-term. LeBron James turns 41 in December, and while still effective, his future in Los Angeles remains in limbo.
The team’s summer has been relatively quiet beyond signing Deandre Ayton and retaining Jackson Hayes, both moves tied to Doncic’s agency. Meanwhile, Doncic is training in Slovenia, preparing for EuroBasket, and staying off the radar. For now.
As teams position themselves to attract the next disgruntled star, the Lakers can’t afford to fumble this year. Denver already has the foundation, the culture, and arguably the league’s best player in Jokic. If Doncic ever hits the market or grows tired of L.A.’s long game, Denver could become a real threat.
And the Lakers know it.
Pelinka is reportedly holding onto future picks like the 2031 and 2032 first-rounders, unwilling to part with them unless a title-contending piece is on the table. This patient approach might pay off, but it might also test Doncic’s patience. One source reported that:
“Luka should not extend this offseason. I am NOT saying he should leave the Lakers. I am saying there’s no good reason for him to extend yet. He’s been there six months. What have the Lakers done so far to prove they’re the best team for him? He didn’t choose to go there.”
Make no mistake, Doncic hasn’t publicly expressed any frustration. He’s said to be happy with the organization, his agent has ties across the locker room, and there’s optimism he’ll sign the short-term deal soon.
But as the West gets tougher, the clock is ticking. If the Lakers aren’t serious contenders in 2025-26, rival teams and front offices are ready to pounce.
The Nuggets are already acting like contenders. The Lakers are still planning to become one. In the NBA, that difference can mean everything.
