Each the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are hoping to have a splashy offseason, however the newest information surrounding the Nuggets might eternally change each franchises. In accordance with NBA insder Mark Stein (subscription required), Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is unlikely to signal a max extension this summer season.
That implies that he might develop into a free agent after subsequent season, and the Lakers will surely be involved in him if that have been the case. Satirically, that information might dramatically impression their offseason plans.
Whereas they’ve $52 million in cap area this summer season, they will not have any subsequent summer season in the event that they signal gamers to multi-year offers. Meaning they’d solely be capable to land Jokic by way of an indication and commerce.
The Lakers need to maintain the door open to signal Nikola Jokic
That places the Lakers in a little bit of a bind. They doubtless cannot go all out signing gamers this summer season if the chance stays that Jokic may very well be obtainable subsequent summer season. Or they may use Austin Reaves as a centerpiece of a sign-and-trade with the Nuggets—if Jokic wished to affix the Lakers subsequent summer season.
Even when Denver is not prepared to take again Reaves, he may very well be traded to a different crew for property that may very well be flipped to Denver.
Within the meantime, the Lakers ought to be trying to enhance their roster whereas sustaining flexibility for subsequent summer season. That may be a difficult stability, however they’ve executed a improbable job at that previously.
The Lakers have an ace up their sleeve in Jokic sweepstakes
Signing gamers to worth contracts and holding agency by not providing multi-year offers is their greatest approach to keep within the hunt for Jokic. It is also necessary to notice that Lakers star Luka Doncic is shut pals with Jokic.
That offers Los Angeles a leg up in pursuing the three-time league MVP. It additionally doubtlessly spells bother for Denver, who seems to be like they’re reaching the tip of their run.
Maybe Jokic is solely placing stress on the Nuggets to make large strikes, together with doubtlessly buying Boston Celtics star Jalen Brown. Nevertheless, if they cannot, the Lakers loom as a chance to steal Jokic away subsequent low season.
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