Super blockbuster of 2028? The Lakers want to get both Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic!

The Los Angeles Lakers may be preparing for one of the most monumental free agency coups in NBA history. While the franchise is currently in the midst of a recalibration phase, the future is already being written behind the scenes. Two of the league’s most transcendent international talents — Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic — could be on a collision course with destiny in purple and gold.

Both stars are scheduled to hit free agency in the summer of 2028, and the timing has sparked widespread speculation that the Lakers are laying the groundwork to bring them together under one roof. If successful, it wouldn’t just be another superstar pairing — it would be the most skilled and intelligent duo the league has ever seen, rivaling even the Lakers’ legendary partnerships of the past.

Luka Doncic: The New King of L.A.

When Luka Doncic arrived in Los Angeles at the 2025 trade deadline, it was viewed as a bold and ambitious gamble by a franchise desperate to reignite its championship culture. After years of inconsistency following the twilight of the LeBron James–Anthony Davis era, the Lakers pivoted to building around the Slovenian maestro, a player with an extraordinary blend of court vision, physicality, and scoring prowess.

Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has become the face of the franchise, carrying the offense and energizing a fanbase hungry for a new superstar. In July 2025, Doncic inked a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option in 2028 — a decision that raised eyebrows across the league. While the deal secures his immediate future with the team, it also grants him the flexibility to either re-sign for a longer max deal or explore new possibilities — like forming a superteam.

Doncic’s camp has reportedly been closely monitoring the contract status of Nikola Jokic, his long-time national team teammate and close friend. The possibility of the two European icons teaming up has evolved from fantasy to realistic scenario, especially now that the stars may align financially and contractually in 2028.

Nikola Jokic: The Silent Domino

Perhaps the most intriguing piece in this emerging puzzle is Nikola Jokic. The two-time NBA MVP has been the cornerstone of the Denver Nuggets dynasty, bringing a championship to Colorado and redefining what a center can be in the modern era. His vision, touch, and unselfishness make him one of the most irreplaceable players in basketball.

However, this summer, Jokic made a quiet but seismic decision that sent shockwaves through the front offices of rival teams: he declined a massive three-year, $200 million+ extension from the Nuggets. While Jokic has not publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Denver, the move signals that he’s keeping his options open.

According to reports from ClutchPoints and Spotrac’s Keith Smith, Jokic turned down the extension primarily for financial leverage — waiting for the salary cap to spike even further, possibly earning him a supermax deal worth over $300 million. But the timing of the decision is impossible to ignore. Jokic’s current contract includes a $62 million player option for 2028, the same offseason Doncic could opt out of his Lakers deal.

The coincidence is fueling whispers around the league. Could Jokic be leaving the door open for a possible team-up with Doncic in L.A.?

Why the Lakers Could Pull This Off

When it comes to star-studded acquisitions, no franchise is better positioned than the Lakers. History, market size, and global brand recognition have always given them a competitive edge in attracting elite talent. Now, with a front office more willing than ever to play the long game, they might be laying the groundwork for their next iconic dynasty.

By 2028, the Lakers’ salary cap books will be nearly clean. Anthony Davis’ contract will have expired or be in its final season. Young prospects currently in development could either become cost-effective contributors or trade chips. And most importantly, the organization could structure Luka’s next extension to accommodate a second supermax slot.

If Doncic opts out in 2028 and re-signs at a reduced figure to allow Jokic to join, the Lakers could conceivably field a lineup with two of the most unselfish and versatile stars ever seen on a basketball court. Offensively, the pairing would be a masterclass in ball movement and playmaking. Defensively, both players have shown they can hold their own in team-oriented schemes.

Beyond the court, the cultural impact of two European stars leading the Lakers into a new era could redefine the league’s global appeal.

A Duo for the Ages?

Should this scenario play out, it wouldn’t just be a superteam — it would be a revolution in basketball IQ, spacing, and creativity. Doncic and Jokic are both generational talents, capable of orchestrating offenses like point guards while dominating with physicality and touch. Their games complement each other almost perfectly: Doncic thrives with mobile bigs who can pass and shoot, while Jokic excels when paired with smart guards who can read defenses and create opportunities.

Put them in a system with proper floor spacing, some 3-and-D wings, and a versatile coach, and you have the recipe for a dynasty that could dominate the NBA landscape for years.

Caution: Denver Won’t Let Jokic Go Easily

Of course, it’s not as simple as waiting three years. The Denver Nuggets still hold the keys to Jokic’s future. They are reportedly confident in their ability to retain him and are already planning for a supermax offer once the 2028 window opens. Jokic’s loyalty to the organization that drafted him is well-documented, and Denver has the ability to offer more money than any other team.

But in today’s NBA, players are prioritizing flexibility, legacy, and long-term vision over simply taking the biggest paycheck. If Jokic sees an opportunity to team up with Doncic in a bigger market and chase multiple titles while playing with someone he trusts, the appeal of Los Angeles might be too strong to ignore.

What This Means for the NBA

The potential pairing of Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic would mark a significant shift in how superstar teams are formed. Unlike the traditional American superstar trios based on athleticism and scoring, this duo would be built on IQ, chemistry, and passing genius.

It would also continue the league’s trend toward international dominance, with two European players leading the most iconic American basketball franchise. The Lakers would not only be back in title contention — they would become a global juggernaut.

Final Thoughts

While 2028 may still seem far away, the seeds of the next NBA superteam are already being planted. With Luka Doncic already in Los Angeles and Nikola Jokic keeping his options open, the whispers around the league are growing louder.

If the Lakers can pull it off, the Doncic–Jokic duo could become the most intelligent, unselfish, and entertaining combination the NBA has ever seen. The question now isn’t if the Lakers are planning it — it’s whether anyone can stop it once it begins.