The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this offseason by executing what many have called an all-time NBA heist: acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Sam Quinn of CBS Sports called it one of the biggest bargains in league history, noting how LA leveraged “normal team” fears to land a 25-year-old MVP candidate with incredible upside for a modest price. Now that Doncic is locked in with a new extension through 2028-29, they have shifted their focus toward finding his superstar sidekick.
Quinn’s analysis makes clear the Lakers’ master plan: once they secured Doncic, their next move was inevitable — they would go all-in on finding a second star to run alongside him, confident that their market appeal and cap flexibility give them a leg up in landing top-tier talent. Among the candidates, three names stand out: Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Trae Young.
Nikola Jokic: The Long-Shot Dream
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Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP and one of the most unique offensive talents in the game, is set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2028 if he declines to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets next summer. According to projections, the Lakers could clear significant cap space by shedding contracts like Jared Vanderbilt’s and signing Austin Reaves to a team-friendly deal, potentially giving them around $50 to $60 million in cap room in 2027-28.
Pairing Doncic and Jokic would create one of the most lethal offensive tandems in NBA history. Both players excel as high-IQ facilitators with versatile scoring and playmaking, a nightmare for any defense. Their close friendship off the court adds a layer of plausibility to this dreamy scenario.
However, Jokic is famously low-key and reportedly indifferent to the spotlight, making Los Angeles — with its bright lights and Hollywood demands — an uncertain fit. He could very well sign an extension with Denver, which would shut down any Lakers hopes. Still, Quinn notes that LA’s openness to making bold moves and its unique allure could sway Jokic should circumstances in Denver sour.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak’s Crossroads
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion, remains the most realistic superstar available to the Lakers in the near term. His contract situation is set to come into sharper focus next offseason when Milwaukee expects him to decide whether to extend or not. Rumors have swirled all summer about a possible trade demand, with the Bucks suffering three consecutive first-round playoff exits and failing to build a championship-caliber roster around him.
As ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, Giannis is “continuing to evaluate his future” and wants to win another championship. It is clear that Milwaukee’s current roster is unlikely to provide that opportunity, and a change of scenery may be the best path forward.
For the Lakers, landing Giannis would be a coup on many levels. Not only would it instantly elevate their championship odds, but it would also mark a clear signal of intent to compete for years to come after LeBron James’s eventual departure. The Lakers have some trade assets but would need Giannis to push for a move to Los Angeles, leveraging the city’s star power and market appeal.
Trae Young: The Immediate Impact Option
While Jokic and Giannis represent longer-term, monumental gambles, Trae Young is a name the Lakers have been actively linked with as a more immediate and attainable superstar addition. A dynamic playmaker known for his deep shooting range and clutch scoring, Young’s style contrasts with Doncic’s but offers a tantalizing pick-and-roll synergy, especially alongside Anthony Davis.
Trade proposals — such as the one from Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World — suggest the Lakers could acquire Young from the Atlanta Hawks by sending a package including Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, rookie Dalton Knecht, and a 2029 first-round pick. While including a promising rookie like Knecht is a tough pill to swallow, Young’s addition could transform the Lakers’ offense right away and position them well for the post-LeBron era.
However, Sam Quinn notes that Young and Doncic share similar on-ball roles, which could limit their fit in the long run. Still, given the Lakers’ desire to win now and their limited pool of 2026 free-agent stars, Young remains the clearest target for an immediate boost.
The Lakers’ Calculated Risk: Stars Over Depth
The Lakers’ front office has made a strategic decision to prioritize superstar talent over roster depth. Quinn’s article highlights how Los Angeles has quietly set itself up by holding onto valuable draft picks for the near future and maintaining flexibility under the salary cap to absorb a max-level star without sending back matching salaries.
This approach isn’t without risks. Sacrificing depth puts enormous pressure on the star trio to stay healthy and perform consistently in high-stakes playoff scenarios. Yet history shows the Lakers have thrived by making bold, all-in moves — from acquiring Anthony Davis to the blockbuster Dončić trade — confident that landing a second star to join Doncic will be the catalyst for another championship run.
What’s Next?
The path forward depends largely on how the situations in Denver and Milwaukee unfold over the next year or two. Jokic’s free agency remains a tantalizing, if unlikely, option; Giannis’s trade demand or free agency decision will shape the immediate landscape; and Young offers a tantalizing middle ground for a deal before the 2026 offseason.
As Quinn astutely points out, LA has proven they play a different game. Other teams worry about losing stars; the Lakers plot to steal them. With Luka Doncic’s loyalty secured, the franchise is prepared to unleash its full power to build around him — and history suggests the next superstar to join Los Angeles will soon announce, “I want to play with Luka for the Lakers.”