The Los Angeles Lakers could line up for a major move this offseason to set up a contention window. With one major trade already concluded in the East, the Lakers can do theirs in the West.
While a long shot, bringing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic to L.A. is not impossible.
In a proposed blockbuster trade, the Lakers would receive Jokic. The Nuggets, in turn, would receive Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Jake LaRavia. They also get a 2028 first round pick, a 2028 first round pick swap, 2030 first-round pick swap and the 2031 first-round pick.
This looks highly unlikely to be made for many obvious reasons. The Lakers have already committed Reaves to a new five-year extension, and even if the Nuggets wanted to move any of their core stars, it wonât be Jokic.
However, stranger moves have occurred in the trade market, and the Nuggets could be open to moving some major salaries towards a new direction.
The Lakers Path to a Nearly Impossible Nikola Jokic Move
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 27: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates as he leaves the court after his team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Denver is not in the most comfortable position cap-wise. It is currently positioned slightly just under the second apron limit and will face serious constraints to try to retain its contention core.Â
Both Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have been linked to trades, and while Jokic seems untradable at this point, it won’t be far-fetched that he, too, will be on the way out. The Nuggets have always been regular playoff teams, but havenât found that 2023 championship momentum.Â
Jokic is on a supermax deal, which makes him a significant commitment. His $59 million cap hit slated for 2026-27 makes him one of the highest earners in the league.Â
Even by Lakers standards, taking Jokicâs salary while also having Luka Doncic will take a toll on their cap. But it wonât be going against a win-now scenario that other franchises have done.Â
Moving Reaves in this deal is the pathway for the Lakers. His $185 million maximum extension all but surely kept his place as a key piece rather than a trade chip. Moving him would have been difficult even before his new deal, given his importance to the roster.Â
However, if put on a scale and there is an opportunity to get Jokic for Reaves, the Lakers will most likely take the Serbian center in a heartbeat.Â
Reavesâ deal, despite having a cap hold of $20.9 million, wonât cut it alone to fit Jokicâs salary, which is why the Lakers will have to attach pieces to make the necessary room. Â
Giving up Jokic, will have to rely on the Nuggetsâ willingness to move in another direction. A Jokic trade haul would likely demand significant future picks for the franchise to even consider it, because they may move away from their contention phase.
The Lakers donât have an abundance of draft capital and can offer three additional pick swap options, but a team featuring Jokic, Doncic, and possibly LeBron James if he re-signs wouldnât lose enough games for those swaps to convey meaningfully.Â
Jokicâs Ideal Fit With the Lakersâ Star Core
GettyNikola Jokic defends Luka Doncic during a Nuggets-Lakers matchup. A new insider report says Jokic is considering delaying contract extension talks with Denver, potentially preserving future flexibility as the Lakers continue building around Doncic.
While more of a fantasy scenario, Jokic alongside Doncic and James would instantly be favorites in the West. The Serbian big already has the European connection, Doncic, and they both are two of the best playmakers in the entire league.Â
Jokic led the league in rebounds and assists this past season, and adding him to a roster containing the scoring champion in Doncic is almost a mismatch for everyone else.Â
James is an unrestricted free agent and could join on a reduced deal if the direction tends towards a serious title push.Â
While an expensive roster and likely one to deplete their future flexibility, the Lakers will seek serious contention if they manage to pull a Jokic trade. Â
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