The Los Angeles Lakers one day would be without the services of superstar LeBron James. Interestingly, Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic has been revealed to be his successor. That brought a level of excitement to everyone in the Purple and Gold fan base but not to former champion, Robert Horry.
The former champion wasn’t too excited because a Doncic trade comes with its baggage, in terms of defensive struggles. However, he acknowledged what he brings to the offense but it’s still not enough to make him as excited for the trade as the others.
He ain’t the best defender now and that’s the Lakers problem! You gotta have some athletic guys that can play some defense and Luka, he can score with the best of them, but we also know you gotta take beers out of his hand… He gonna be good but he ain’t gonna be what you need.
Robert Horry on his podcast
The Lakers are structured in such a way that everyone contributes especially in the defensive end, and Doncic has been known to not be very effective in that department. Lucky for him, he is surrounded by great talent in the Mavs, including the recent acquisition of Klay Thompson.
Furthermore, if the 17-time NBA champions still think he is the ideal replacement for the future Hall of Famer, they’d probably have to break the bank and a lot of future picks to get him. Luka Doncic on the other hand would most likely remain in Dallas due to his upcoming super max contract extension.
Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic teaming up is not feasible, according to an NBA insider
The idea of two of the best European imports, an MVP winner and a scoring champion, in the NBA playing together sounds appealing, as Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki touted. Both superstars have shown great chemistry in the past, from playing together at All-Star games and even the recent memorial game.
As a result, ESPN’s Tim McMahon discussed the possibility on “The Hoop Collective” podcast, noting that a trade between the teams is highly unlikely due to limited assets. The Mavericks and Nuggets both have restricted draft capital, further complicating any potential trade.
They’re buddies. Every All-Star game, they’re playing pranks on each other… I don’t see either one happening. The Nuggets don’t have the assets to pull off a blockbuster trade, certainly one that would have to be historic to get Luka Doncic. The same thing goes for Dallas.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon on “The Hoop Collective” podcast
However, the earliest and slimmest possibility of them teaming up would be in the 2027 offseason if Jokic declines his player option. However, a sign-and-trade would likely be necessary to clear cap space for another superstar.
