The Los Angeles Lakers are already plotting the next chapter of their superstar era. Luka Dončić’s arrival has reshaped the team’s identity, but inside the organization, there’s a bigger dream in play: pairing him with another MVP. And the names on the board are as ambitious as it gets — Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić.
Lakers Trade Rumors: California Teams Circle 2027
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The Athletic’s Sam Amick recently noted that multiple teams — including the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers — are monitoring the 2027 free agency landscape. Both Antetokounmpo and Jokić hold player options for the 2027-28 season, a fact that has executives quietly preparing for what could be the most competitive superstar sweepstakes in years.
“The Warriors, who are well aware that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Denver’s Nikola Jokic both have player options for the 2027-28 season, are hardly alone on this star-hunting front. High-profile teams like the Lakers and Clippers have sent similar signals in recent months,” Amick reported.
Giannis Watch: A Future Trade or Nothing?
Giannis’ situation feels more volatile than Jokić’s. While the Bucks forward has insisted he is committed to Milwaukee, years of postseason disappointment have left questions about how long his patience will hold.
Insiders have long suggested that another early playoff exit could be the tipping point. “The only way the Bucks consider moving Giannis is if the Greek Freak forces their hand,” one report noted. For now, he remains in Milwaukee, set to start the upcoming season alongside newly signed Myles Turner. But the possibility of a trade — though unlikely in the short term — remains a storyline to watch.
Jokić and the Doncic Factor
Nikola Jokić, by contrast, appears entrenched in Denver. He’s the face of a recent championship and has shown little sign of frustration with the Nuggets. Still, his connection with Luka Dončić adds intrigue. The two are close friends and have openly discussed playing together later in their careers, a possibility that lingers in the background as the Lakers shape their roster around Dončić.
As Lakers insider Dan Woike explained, any pursuit of Jokić or Antetokounmpo would be a long shot unless either superstar explicitly pushed for Los Angeles:
“Both players would likely need to signal a strong desire to join the Lakers to suppress interest from the rest of the league. Even then, Los Angeles’ current trade assets may not be enough to compete with other offers,” Woike cautioned.
Building Around Luka
The Lakers’ long-term strategy is clear. LeBron James is entering the final year of his deal with a no-trade clause, while Dončić has become the centerpiece of the franchise’s future. Los Angeles has been deliberate in keeping its books clean, aiming to create enough cap flexibility to pounce if one of the league’s generational talents becomes available.
Antetokounmpo’s versatility would complement Dončić perfectly, while a Dončić-Jokić pairing would instantly become one of the most gifted offensive duos in NBA history.
For now, both superstars remain under contract with their current teams, and nothing suggests immediate movement. But as 2027 looms, the Lakers’ aspirations are unmistakable. In a league driven by star power, Los Angeles is preparing for the possibility of another seismic pairing — and a chance to extend its championship window well into the Dončić era.