The Los Angeles Lakers may be watching Denver closely as questions continue to build around Nikola Jokic’s long-term future with the Nuggets.
Denver recently dealt Peyton Watson to Cleveland in a move that reduced its luxury-tax burden.
The decision drew criticism and added to concerns about how aggressively the organization intends to build around its three-time MVP.
Jokic has yet to sign another extension and previously suggested that he would evaluate his situation next summer.
He remains under contract, including a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign.
Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin believes Los Angeles will be “dead-set” on trying to land Jokic once the club sorts out its ongoing ownership situation.
Los Angeles has already centered its plans around Luka Doncic, and adding Jokic would give the franchise two of basketball’s premier offensive players.
Their friendship and previous experience playing together would make such a partnership particularly intriguing.
Meanwhile, Denver has struggled to recreate its 2023 championship success.
The Nuggets have advanced through only two playoff rounds over the past three years and suffered a first-round exit against Minnesota last season.
None of that has slowed Jokic individually. He produced 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game last season, once again establishing himself among the league’s elite.
There is currently no indication that Denver intends to trade its franchise star.
However, if Jokic eventually becomes available, the Lakers are expected to have serious interest in creating a Doncic-Jokic partnership in Los Angeles.
Could Lakers capitalize on latest Nikola Jokic-Nuggets drama? https://t.co/DxW2mZ8iCk pic.twitter.com/HSO7IoF4Lq
— New York Post (@nypost) August 20, 2026
