The Los Angeles Lakers may already have their next blockbuster target in mind, and it is a name that would instantly change the NBA landscape.

The possibility stems from Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, who suggested the organization could have its eyes on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets once the ownership situation is resolved.

Fullcourt Pass shared Irwin's comments on X: “The Lakers organization’s eyes are going to be ‘dead-set’ on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets once their ownership situation is figured out.”

A move would be massive for Los Angeles, but there are several hurdles between that reported interest and an actual trade.

The ownership situation needs to be resolved, Jokic has said he wants to remain in Denver, and the Lakers' potential trade pieces cannot be moved until January 2027.

If the Lakers ever turn that interest into a serious pursuit, Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves could eventually become part of the equation. Neither player can be traded until Jan. 15, 2027, when their current trade restrictions end.

Kessler signed a four-year, $130 million contract with Los Angeles this offseason, while Reaves agreed to a four-year, $184 million deal to stay with the Lakers.

Those contracts could make them useful pieces in a future blockbuster, although a Jokic trade would almost certainly require far more.

Why Jokic-to-Lakers Talk is worth watching

Jokic’s contract situation is one reason the Lakers’ potential interest is worth watching. He reportedly rejected a four-year, $278 million extension, but waiting could allow him to pursue an even larger deal in the 2027 offseason.

“By waiting until the 2027 offseason, Jokic is eligible to sign a five-year, $359.5 million contract as a free agent,” Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported. He also noted that the deal could become the biggest contract in NBA history.

That does not mean Jokic is looking for a way out of Denver. In fact, his own comments suggest the opposite. After a FIBA World Cup qualifier last month, he said, “My idea and desire is to stay in Denver. I'll probably sign next year.”

He later added, “… My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver.”

Jokic may want to stay in Denver, but the Nuggets still have to give him reasons to remain there. Some of the franchise’s recent decisions have raised questions about whether the team is doing enough to build around its superstar.

Denver traded Peyton Watson to Cleveland to avoid the luxury tax and has won only two playoff series in three seasons. Last season, Minnesota eliminated the Nuggets in the first round despite Jokic averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists.

That does not mean Jokic is ready to leave, but it does give the Lakers and other teams a reason to keep an eye on what happens next in Denver.

For now, though, Jokic’s own words remain the biggest obstacle to a Lakers blockbuster. He wants to stay in Denver. If that ever changes, Los Angeles may already be one of the teams watching closely.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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Edited by

Rudra Dubey