In a surprising twist that has sent shockwaves through the NBA rumour mill, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as the betting favourites to land Denver Nuggets superstar canter Nikola Jokić, should he decide to part ways with the franchise that drafted him. According to odds posted by Bovada, the Lakers are currently listed at +310 to be Jokić’s next team, ahead of other contenders such as the New York Knicks (+410) and Boston Celtics (+800).
The speculation around Jokić’s future comes on the heels of Denver’s disappointing playoff exit and a series of blunt post-season comments made by or about the team’s trajectory, locker room atmosphere, and front office decision-making. While Jokić has been known for his loyalty and low-key demeanour, NBA insiders suggest that frustration may be mounting behind the scenes in Denver, especially after the Nuggets failed to defend their championship despite Jokić’s MVP-calibre performances.
A Shocking Possibility
Jokić, a three-time NBA MVP and widely considered one of the greatest centres in basketball history, is under a five-year, $272 million supermax contract extension that runs through the 2027–28 season (with a player option in the final year). However, as history has shown, contracts in today’s NBA don’t always guarantee permanence, especially when a superstar begins to question the direction of a franchise.
The idea of Jokić joining the Lakers — one of the league’s most iconic and star-driven teams — is tantalizing. Los Angeles has a long tradition of attracting elite talent, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Adding Jokić to that legacy would not only reshape the Western Conference but also potentially extend the Lakers’ championship window, particularly if LeBron James returns for another season.
The Appeal of Los Angeles
From a lifestyle, branding, and competitive standpoint, Los Angeles offers plenty of allure. The Lakers are in a win-now mode, and with the front office likely considering significant roster changes after another early playoff exit, a bold move for a player like Jokić would not be out of character.
Moreover, Jokić’s unique skillset — a playmaking, floor-spacing big man who can anchor an offense — would mesh well with almost any system. In Los Angeles, he would have the opportunity to team up with veteran stars and potentially have more control over the offense, something that might appeal to him amid concerns of stagnation in Denver.
Other Teams in the Hunt
While the Lakers top the odds list, they are far from the only team interested. The New York Knicks, long in search of a superstar big man to pair with Jalen Brunson, are also high on the list. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors round out the top five, each offering their own mix of assets and appeal.
Still, the odds are speculative, and there is currently no confirmed indication that Jokić has requested a trade or is seeking a departure from Denver. The Nuggets have built a contender around him and continue to view him as the franchise cornerstone.
Final Thoughts
While the idea of Nikola Jokić in purple and gold may seem far-fetched for some, the combination of brewing frustrations in Denver and the Lakers’ historic ability to attract elite talent make this a storyline worth watching. For now, fans will have to wait and see whether this is just offseason smoke — or the beginning of one of the biggest NBA moves in recent history.