Teams Are Monitoring Luka Doncic’s Situation in LA

The Los Angeles Lakers are Luka Doncic’s team now. LeBron James is gone, and the team’s key offseason additions all seemed to be made in order to fit around the superstar guard.

While that is all absolutely the case, it doesn’t mean everything is perfect for Doncic in Los Angeles, and because of the shorter-term nature of his current contract, teams around the NBA are monitoring and positioning themselves to pounce should he ever become available, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

MacMahon said:

“And look, just like Joker can profess his loyalty to the Nuggets, there’s still going to be teams that are positioning themselves and monitoring that and all that kind of thing. It’s the same thing with Luka. He’s done nothing but express optimism and excitement about the Lakers since he signed that extension. But it’s not that long-term of an extension. 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 midway through his prime,”

The 27-year-old Doncic’s three-year, $165 million contract extension signed with the Lakers last August begins next season (2026-27) and includes a player option after the 2027-28 campaign. He averaged 33.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 8.3 APG across 64 games played last season.