Nikola Jokic left the Nuggets to join the Lakers. Here is the reason behind the refusal to extend the contract.

The NBA offseason is no stranger to wild trade rumors, and the latest buzz centers around Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar center. Following reports that Jokic declined to sign a contract extension this summer, speculation exploded online that the three-time MVP could be eyeing a sensational move to the Los Angeles Lakers, potentially forming a superteam alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

But is there any truth to this scenario? Or is this just another pipe dream fueled by offseason boredom? Let’s break down the facts, the financials, and Jokic’s own mindset to separate reality from fantasy.

Jokic’s Contract Situation Explained: A Strategic Delay, Not a Departure Signal

Nikola Jokic is currently under contract with the Denver Nuggets until the end of the 2026-27 NBA season, with a player option for 2027-28 worth approximately $62.8 million. Had he chosen to extend this summer, he could have signed a three-year, $206 million extension.

Instead, Jokic reportedly chose to wait until the 2026 offseason. By doing so, he’ll become eligible for a four-year, $285 million supermax extension, adding an extra $77 million to his future earnings.

From a financial standpoint, this is a no-brainer. The NBA’s salary cap continues to rise, and waiting gives Jokic the chance to lock in a bigger deal when the cap spikes again. This isn’t about leaving Denver — it’s about maximizing his lifetime earnings.

The Lakers Superteam: Fantasy or Reality?

The notion of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic forming a superteam in Los Angeles sounds like something straight out of NBA 2K. But let’s put this scenario under the microscope.

Could the Lakers afford Jokic?

Not really. After their blockbuster move to acquire Deandre Ayton and the previous mega-deal that brought Luka Doncic to LA in exchange for Anthony Davis, the Lakers are already pressed against the NBA’s first luxury tax apron. They are reportedly just $908K below the first apron, which is nowhere near enough to absorb Jokic’s $55.2 million salary next season.

Any trade for Jokic would require gutting the Lakers’ roster completely, sending out most — if not all — of their remaining depth. Not to mention, Denver would likely demand a historic haul in return.

What About the Jokic-Doncic Friendship?

Jokic and Doncic have undeniable chemistry, as seen during NBA All-Star Games and their time together on the international stage. But their friendship alone isn’t enough to fuel a blockbuster trade.

Ironically, NBA insider Eric Pincus had previously floated the opposite scenario: that Luka Doncic could leave LA for Denver if things soured with the Lakers. Pincus noted that Doncic isn’t the type of player who craves a big-city spotlight, suggesting Denver’s small-market appeal could someday lure him.

But could the reverse happen, with Jokic heading to LA? Unlikely, especially when you factor in Jokic’s personality.

Nikola Jokic’s Personality: The Anti-Hollywood Superstar

If there’s one thing fans know about Nikola Jokic, it’s that he’s the furthest thing from a Hollywood star.

On Michael Porter Jr.’s Curious Mike Podcast, Jokic candidly shared his discomfort with fame:

“It just feels sad. Being famous, I think, some people like it. I don’t, really. When I finish my career, I really wish nobody knows me. I really wish my kid, or kids in the future, remember me as a dad, not as a basketball player.”

Jokic often speaks about retiring to his hometown of Sombor, Serbia, where he can spend his days around horses, family, and friends — far away from cameras and the spotlight.

The glitz and chaos of Los Angeles do not align with his personality or lifestyle preferences.

Josh Kroenke’s Comment: A Worst-Case Scenario, Not a Threat

Fueling the rumors was a recent comment from Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke, who said the franchise wasn’t afraid of entering the luxury tax’s second apron but warned that “the wrong injury” could force them to contemplate scenarios they’d rather avoid, “like trading No. 15.”

For context, No. 15 is Jokic’s jersey number. Kroenke’s comment was meant as a worst-case, doomsday scenario, not an indication that the Nuggets are shopping their franchise cornerstone. Every GM and owner has to consider long-term financial contingencies, especially with the NBA’s harsh new tax penalties. But there’s no active plan to trade Jokic.

The Nuggets’ Offseason Moves Show They’re All-In on Jokic

Rather than blowing up the team, the Nuggets front office retooled the roster around Jokic’s feedback after their disappointing playoff exit against the Thunder.

Key offseason moves include:

• Cam Johnson, acquired via a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. and a 2023 first-round pick packing. Johnson adds consistent shooting and better defense.

• Jonas Valanciunas, expected to arrive in a trade for Dario Saric, giving Jokic a strong backup and reducing his defensive workload.

• Bruce Brown Jr., returning to Denver to restore the grit and hustle that defined their 2023 championship run.

• Tim Hardaway Jr., adding scoring off the bench.

• Promoting David Adelman to head coach, providing continuity and a familiar voice on the sidelines.

This is not the profile of a team preparing for a teardown. This is a squad aiming for another championship run.

Jokic’s Own Happiness with the Nuggets’ Direction

Veteran NBA insider Brian Windhorst has reported that Jokic is “very pleased” with the Nuggets’ offseason moves. The roster construction fits Jokic’s vision for a balanced team: shooters, defenders, and players who complement his playmaking style.

Yes, parting ways with Michael Porter Jr. was a tough call, but the additions of Johnson, Valanciunas, and Brown arguably make Denver deeper and more versatile.

The Financial Reality: Jokic Is Betting on Himself

The primary motivation behind Jokic’s contract delay is simple financial optimization. By waiting until 2026, he opens the door for a longer, more lucrative extension.

Consider these numbers:

• Extend now: ~$206 million over three years

• Extend next summer: ~$285 million over four years

That’s nearly $80 million in additional guaranteed money.

This kind of financial planning is common for superstars who know their value will only rise with the league’s expanding revenue and new media deals. Jokic is simply making a smart business decision.

Could a Future Lakers Superteam Ever Happen?

While the idea of Jokic, Luka, and LeBron is tantalizing, it’s highly improbable.

• LeBron James is nearing the end of his career and may not even be in the league by the time Jokic becomes a true free agent.

• Luka Doncic just signed a massive extension with the Lakers (in this hypothetical scenario), meaning the financial room to add Jokic would be nonexistent without blowing up the roster.

• The Lakers, currently close to the first apron, would face significant salary cap barriers to adding another max-level contract.

Bottom line: the NBA’s salary cap rules and Jokic’s own values make this fantasy highly unlikely.

What Fans Should Expect from Jokic Going Forward

For now, Jokic is:

• Focused on the 2025-26 NBA season

• Happy with the Nuggets’ roster moves

• Prioritizing financial flexibility

• Still the face of the Denver Nuggets for the foreseeable future

He may also participate in EuroBasket 2025 with Serbia, though that decision is yet to be confirmed.

Final Thoughts: Denver Fans Shouldn’t Panic

Despite the clickbait headlines, Nikola Jokic is not plotting a move to the Lakers. His extension delay is purely financial, and he remains committed to winning with the Denver Nuggets.

If anything, his quiet offseason and satisfaction with the team’s direction should give Nuggets fans confidence. Jokic’s next contract will likely make him the highest-paid player in NBA history — and it will almost certainly be signed in Denver.

As for Hollywood, the Joker is much more at home in the quiet fields of Serbia than under the bright lights of Los Angeles.