The uncertainty regarding the Lakers’ season outlook could impact star guard Luka Dončić’s future with the franchise.
ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon indicated this during an episode of “The Hoop Collective Podcast” on Friday, as he said, “Just like Joker [Nikola Jokic] can profess his loyalty to the Nuggets, there’s still going to be teams that are positioned themselves and monitoring that and all that kind of thing. It’s the same thing with Luka Dončić.”
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the first half at Barclays Center on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Brooklyn, NY. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“[Dončić has] done nothing but express optimism and excitement about the Lakers since he signed that extension,” MacMahon added.
“But it’s not that long term of an extension, and you better believe there’s teams around the league that are looking at that situation and saying, ‘Hey, if this thing goes sideways, we’d sure like to get Luka in the midway through his prime.'”
Granted, this report from MacMahon isn’t anything more than speculation. And the fact that Dončić has indicated his willingness to remain with the Lakers should be seen as a very good sign.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic leaves the InterContinental Hotel for a team dinner on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The dinner was held during the Lakers’ team mini camp. Andrej Tarfila/Shutterstock
But this sentiment from MacMahon makes sense if the Lakers’ season doesn’t go according to plan. If this team gets hit with an injury bug or otherwise doesn’t perform up to its capabilities both this season and in the future, putting Dončić on the trade block to kick-start a full rebuild might be the most likely path forward.
Thankfully, Lakers fans don’t have to worry about this potential future scenario quite yet. But it’s a story that will be worth following once the upcoming NBA season tips off.
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