Published: August 24, 2024, 2:29 PM
By: Lance Roberson, Athlon Sports
DALLAS – The speculation surrounding Luka Dončić and a potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers continues to captivate media and fans alike. Despite the Lakers’ historical tendency to acquire stars, and despite Dončić’s recent achievements—including winning the Western Conference Finals MVP and reaching the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks—the buzz about him potentially joining the Lakers persists.
Dončić, who has drawn comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki, faces a different scenario. While Dončić has expressed admiration for Nowitzki’s loyalty, there’s no certainty he will follow the same path. Although he has pledged to follow Nowitzki’s lead, the idea of him relocating, particularly to Los Angeles, raises questions.
Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer has previously reported on the Lakers’ interest in Dončić. However, O’Connor’s timing seems peculiar. “We’ll see if that works out. Dallas just made a Finals. Dallas is looking better than ever with their supporting cast. That may not work out. But the Lakers, by not trading their future picks, clearly they’re still thinking long-term at this point,” O’Connor said on a recent episode of the Mismatch podcast.
LeBron James, Dončić’s favorite player, adds an interesting dynamic to the speculation. But does Los Angeles really have the assets to secure a deal for Dončić? Can GM Rob Pelinka outmaneuver Mavs GM Nico Harrison? And why are the Lakers presumed to be a viable destination for Dončić if the focus is on immediate on-court success?
ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes that Dončić is eligible for a historic five-year, $346.3 million contract, but only the Mavericks can offer this deal. This fact emphasizes Dallas’s strong position in retaining their star player.
The allure of the Lakers as a potential landing spot for Dončić remains intriguing, but there is no concrete evidence to suggest he wants to make the move. The narrative of the Lakers acquiring any player they desire doesn’t necessarily align with Dončić’s intentions.
