Since the shocking blockbuster trade that shook the NBA, sending Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers, wild speculation has picked up around the league. One connection that Nuggets fans have surely noticed, is the friendship between Doncic and Nikola Jokic.
The two Eastern European superstars have appeared to be close at times and have talked about their admiration for each other in multiple opportunities. Doncic is just settling into LA, but there’s just one more season left on his contract, and after this mega trade came out of left field, potentially spiraling Luka’s future financial situation, it’s safe to say anything is possible.
The list of stars to willingly leave the Lakers is short, but Doncic is a different player. He’s got to be itching for revenge and to prove his status in the NBA with championships to rub in the face of the Mavericks organization. The Lakers don’t have much of a roster beyond Doncic and LeBron James.
If the team is unable to make major upgrades over the next year and James starts to show more signs of aging, Doncic might start to let his eyes wander. And what better spot to catch his gaze than Denver and a chance to play with his buddy, MVP big man Nikola Jokic?
Jokic waxes poetic about nights out with Doncic at All-Star weekends past
Dreams, fantasies, and speculations have all already begun in Denver and fans have to be hoping for a total implosion for the Lakers. Despite being the biggest story in the NBA, Doncic was notably absent from this year’s All-Star festivities thanks to all the games he has missed due to injury.
But Luka was still a major talking point and in his All-Star presser, Jokic was asked about Luka and if it was weird not having him around during All-Star weekend. Jokic in his typical deadpan routine stated, “It’s weird because we always have a good night before the game.”
Asked Nikola Jokic about his good friend Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers:
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 15, 2025
“He was building something there. He was hurt.”
Is it weird not having Luka at All-Star festivities?
“It’s weird because we always have a good night before the game.” pic.twitter.com/e2RMjljcuU
Jokic has made no secret about his friendship with Doncic but it seems lately he’s talking about it more and more. Here he makes it clear that the two go out together as friends when they get the chance and Jokic even said the All-Star experience was weird without his close friend there with him.
This isn’t exactly blatant tampering, but it’s another reason to hope and speculate. We’ve seen plenty of players choose to play with their friends in the league and what a pairing this would be. The dynamic point guard and center could make beautiful basketball magic for years to come, sharing the load inside and out.
It’s still a long shot, but there’s no reason to think both players wouldn’t be open to playing together. It would be a great on-court fit and seemingly a great off-court fit as well. Here’s to hoping Luka doesn’t get too attached to LA and is looking for a new basketball home in the near future.