A Lakers reporter is throwing serious heat out there, implying the team is ready to keep a close watch on Nikola Jokić’s future with the Denver Nuggets. This isn’t just some random rumor, either. It comes straight from Anthony Irwin, a guy who covers the Lakers, who put it out there on X that once the team’s ownership situation gets figured out, they’re gonna have Jokić’s Denver situation firmly in their sights. Talk about a bombshell, right?
The Lakers Are Gunning for More, Even Without a Title Shot
Let’s be real, the Lakers have what looks like a competitive roster heading into the NBA season. But here’s the kicker: they’re not championship contenders. Not yet, anyway. They’re probably one or two pieces away from getting to that top tier. Some fans have been dreaming big about the super faint possibility of Jokić landing in L.A., and you can see why. The dude’s a three-time MVP, and he still hasn’t signed a long-term extension with the Nuggets. He’s said he’ll wait until next summer to ink that deal, and you know how it goes: nothing is official until it’s official. That’s gotta be giving Lakers brass some serious hope.
Denver’s Squad Is Talented, But There Are Cracks
Now, let’s talk about the Nuggets. They’ve got a talented team, no doubt. Guys like Jamal Murray, who just had a career season, Cam Johnson, and Aaron Gordon are quality complementary players around Jokić. But they just traded rising stud Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that move means they could be a bit weaker this coming season. Plus, last season, despite finishing third in the Western Conference with a 54-28 record, they got bounced by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. With Jokić doing his thing at center, they’ll still be very competitive, but that early exit last year definitely stings.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ ownership drama is wild. Mark Walter agreed to sell his majority share to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. Then, the Buss family, who Walter bought his stake from last October, voted to sell their remaining 17.8% share to Kushner and Iger just this Monday. But get this: Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ governor, is actually opposing her five siblings in the sale of that minority share. It’s a whole family feud, and it’s all happening as they supposedly keep tabs on one of the league’s biggest stars. This whole situation is definitely something to keep an eye on as the season gets closer.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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