The Los Angeles Lakers have always been an organization defined by its ability to attract the game’s biggest names and create eras of dominance through star power. From Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, from Kobe and Pau Gasol to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise has long relied on the magnetic pull of Hollywood, the prestige of its championship history, and the allure of the purple and gold to lure and keep NBA superstars. Now, as the LeBron era inevitably approaches its twilight, Lakers fans are beginning to look toward the future—and that future might be brighter, bolder, and more star-studded than ever. In particular, July 2027 is beginning to look like a date worth circling on every Lakers fan’s calendar, because that summer could mark the start of an unprecedented new chapter in Los Angeles basketball history. The building blocks are already in place with Luka Dončić, the young generational talent who has both the statistical production and the charisma to lead the franchise into a new age. But whispers and speculation suggest that Luka might not be alone in this next era. Instead, 2027 could be the moment the Lakers assemble another historic duo—this time pairing Dončić with either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić, two of the most dominant and unique forces the league has ever seen.
The idea is not as far-fetched as it may sound. Both Giannis and Jokic have player options in the 2027–28 season, which means they could hit the free-agent market that summer. While it’s rare for two players of such caliber to be even theoretically available at the same time, the alignment of circumstances could create a perfect storm for the Lakers to make a run at one of them. The franchise is already planning for flexibility in its long-term salary cap outlook, aware that the end of the LeBron-Davis chapter could be the gateway to their next seismic move. Lakers decision-makers have historically shown an ability to pivot quickly when opportunities arise, and this could be the most consequential pivot since they landed LeBron in 2018.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee has been one of cautious stability for several years. He has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks on multiple occasions, and Milwaukee has worked diligently to keep a contending roster around him, adding veterans, shooters, and complementary defenders. But reports have started to trickle out suggesting that for the first time in his career, Giannis is at least entertaining the thought of exploring options beyond the Bucks. The 2021 NBA Finals MVP is fiercely competitive, and while Milwaukee’s championship in 2021 cemented his legacy as the city’s most iconic athlete, the NBA is a league where success has to be continually renewed. If the Bucks fall short in the playoffs again in the coming years, Giannis may find himself questioning whether his championship window is best served by staying put or joining forces with another generational talent in a different city. Los Angeles, with its championship pedigree and global visibility, would be the ultimate destination for a superstar who wants to maximize both his legacy and his off-court opportunities.
On the other side of the equation is Nikola Jokić, the reigning Finals MVP and arguably the most skilled big man in NBA history. The Denver Nuggets have done an admirable job of building a roster around him, winning the 2023 title and keeping core pieces like Jamal Murray in place. But Jokić has so far declined to sign an early extension, opting instead to take a patient, wait-and-see approach to his long-term commitment. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate dissatisfaction, it does open the door for speculation. Denver will need to maintain a championship-contending roster year after year to keep Jokić fully invested, and that is never guaranteed in a league where injuries, salary cap constraints, and competitive balance shift constantly. If the Nuggets were to stumble or find themselves unable to surround Jokić with the depth he needs, he could very well be tempted by the idea of teaming up with Luka Dončić in Los Angeles. The pairing would be unlike anything the league has seen before—two of the most offensively gifted and high-IQ players on the planet orchestrating an offense that would be virtually impossible to defend.
The appeal for both Giannis and Jokić is obvious. Los Angeles offers not just the chance to compete for titles alongside Luka, but also the benefits of the NBA’s largest media market outside of New York. The Lakers brand is a global icon, and their players often transcend basketball to become household names in entertainment, endorsements, and cultural influence. The opportunity to play in front of celebrities, under the bright lights of Crypto.com Arena, and in a city that has hosted more championship parades than most franchises have playoff appearances is something very few stars can resist. Furthermore, the Lakers’ front office has proven it can deliver on big promises. When they pursued LeBron James, they got him. When they needed to pair him with another star, they landed Anthony Davis. The track record is there, and it breeds confidence that if an opportunity arises to bring Giannis or Jokić into the fold, the organization will be ready.
For Luka Dončić, the prospect of teaming up with either of these superstars could mark the difference between a Hall of Fame career and an all-time great legacy. Luka’s talent is unquestionable—he is already one of the most dominant offensive forces the league has ever seen, capable of controlling the pace of a game, scoring at will, and creating for teammates with unmatched vision. But in the NBA, even generational talents need help to win titles consistently. Kobe needed Shaq and later Gasol, LeBron needed Wade, Bosh, Kyrie, and Davis, and Steph Curry needed Durant at one point to sustain dominance. Luka alongside Giannis would create an unstoppable force in transition and on both ends of the floor, combining Luka’s halfcourt wizardry with Giannis’ unmatched physical dominance. Luka alongside Jokić would produce a halfcourt offense so sophisticated and efficient that opposing teams might be forced to completely reinvent defensive strategies. Either way, the Lakers would have the foundation to contend for multiple championships deep into the next decade.
The timing of this potential superteam formation also aligns with the natural transition period the Lakers will face post-LeBron. Anthony Davis’ long-term role is uncertain—he could still be a part of the 2027 core, or the team could pivot toward a younger frontcourt star to pair with Luka. The franchise has shown a willingness to retool on the fly, and with their future draft assets becoming more available after various trades, they could engineer the kind of roster that would be attractive to a free agent of Giannis’ or Jokić’s caliber. Flexibility is key in the modern NBA, and the Lakers are quietly positioning themselves to have both the cap space and the organizational appeal to make a blockbuster happen when the moment is right.
Of course, nothing in the NBA is guaranteed. The Bucks could win another championship and convince Giannis to finish his career in Milwaukee. The Nuggets could retool effectively around Jokić and keep him happy in Denver for the long haul. Luka himself will need to remain committed to the Lakers’ long-term vision, and the front office will need to avoid costly mistakes in the years leading up to 2027. But the beauty of this scenario for Lakers fans is that it’s not just a pipe dream—it’s rooted in actual contractual timelines, real whispers of curiosity from superstar players, and a franchise history of making the impossible happen.
The NBA landscape is always shifting, and the 2027 offseason has the potential to be one of those rare moments where the stars—both literal and figurative—align in a way that could redefine a franchise’s trajectory. If Luka Dončić is indeed the heir to the Lakers throne after LeBron James, then pairing him with either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić would instantly catapult Los Angeles into the conversation for the most talented duo in NBA history. It would signal not just a continuation of the Lakers’ tradition of star power, but an escalation of it, pushing the boundaries of what a superteam can be. For Lakers fans, the countdown to July 2027 has already begun, and the possibilities are as thrilling as they are tantalizing. Whether it’s Luka and Giannis ruling the floor with physical dominance or Luka and Jokić orchestrating an offensive symphony, the next era in Los Angeles could be even more spectacular than the ones that came before.
