The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing Nikola Jokić as a potential trade target, with the team's ownership situation set to be resolved in the coming weeks.
Anthony Irwin, a reporter who covers the Lakers, implied in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the team will keep its eyes on Jokić's situation in Denver once the ownership situation gets sorted out.
The Nuggets are a talented team that features quality complementary players such as Jamal Murray, who is coming off a career season, Cam Johnson, and Aaron Gordon. However, they just traded rising stud Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers, so they could be a bit weaker this coming season.
Last season, despite finishing third in the Western Conference with a 54-28 record, the Nuggets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. With Jokić doing his thing at the center position, they should still be very competitive this season.
Mark Walter agreed to sell his majority share of the Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger last week. On Monday of this week, the Buss family, whom Walter had bought his stake from last October, voted to sell its remaining 17.8% share to Kushner and Iger.
However, Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' governor, is opposing her five siblings in the sale of that minority share. This could potentially delay the resolution of the ownership situation, which could impact the team's ability to pursue trade targets like Jokić.
The Nuggets have yet to sign Jokić to a long-term extension, and the three-time MVP has stated that he will wait until next summer to do so. This has led to speculation that he may become available via trade.
The Lakers have a competitive roster set for the upcoming NBA season, but they are likely one or two pieces away from becoming championship contenders. If they can acquire Jokić, they may have a legitimate shot at winning their 18th NBA championship.
The outcome of the ownership situation and Jokić's future with the Nuggets will be closely watched by fans and analysts in the coming weeks.
Source: Yahoo Sports