Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Could Be Plotting a Luka Dončić–Nikola Jokic Superteam in 2028

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by Cristian Andal

Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic could form a superstar duo with the Lakers in 2028
Luka Dončić (77) and Nikola Jokic could form a superstar duo in the future. Photo: X.

The Los Angeles Lakers may already have their sights set on the next major superstar pairing — and it could involve two of the NBA’s brightest international stars: Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic.

While it's still years away, the summer of 2028 is starting to take shape as a pivotal moment in the league’s landscape. Doncic recently signed a lucrative three-year extension worth $165 million with the Lakers, which includes a player option for the 2028 season. Should he choose to decline that option, he’d be in line to sign one of the largest contracts in NBA history.

Jokic, meanwhile, also has a decision to make in 2028. The Denver Nuggets center holds a $62 million player option for that same offseason — and his recent move to decline a three-year, $206 million extension signals that he’s keeping his long-term options open. While Nuggets management insists there’s no concern, it does leave the door open for a potential shift.

If both Doncic and Jokic enter free agency together, the Lakers could be in position to make a historic move. Some analysts have already started to compare a potential Luka–Jokic pairing to iconic Laker duos of the past — from Magic and Kareem, to Shaq and Kobe, and more recently, LeBron and AD.

Since arriving in L.A. via a midseason trade in 2025, Doncic has become a key figure in the franchise’s resurgence. Beyond his on-court excellence, he’s helped bring in key free agents like Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, showing leadership far beyond his years.

Jokic, despite turning 30, continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers. Last season, he averaged nearly a triple-double: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. He remained dominant in the postseason, even as the Nuggets fell short of another title run.

Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic could form a superstar duo with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2028
Photo: Clutch Sports.

While it’s all speculative for now, the stars could align for the Lakers in 2028. And in today’s ever-changing NBA, nothing is off the table when it comes to assembling superteams.