NBA Rumors: Could Luka Doncic leave the Lakers?
The Slovenian is the team's superstar, but there are emerging reports that they could lose him in the upcoming markets.
Luka Doncic is the present and future of Los Angeles Lakers, a status that became clear when the Los Angeles franchise acquired the Slovenian in February 2025. The player signed a contract extension with the team last summer, but this association does not completely rule out the possibility of him requesting a trade later on, especially if the current uncertainty surrounding ownership continues and the Lakers fail to surround him with the necessary talent to compete for the title.
The possibility of Doncic asking to leave Los Angeles seems, in any case, a long-term issue that may not even materialize. However, the uncertainty plaguing the franchise both on and off the court also makes it a scenario that cannot be entirely dismissed. In fact, as outlined in the Lakers Collective podcast, the Lakers could be "a year away" from seriously facing trade rumors surrounding their star player.
The summer of 2027 could be a turning point
Trevor Lane, Lakers journalist and insider, explained in the Lakers Collective that the possibility of Doncic eventually requesting a trade cannot be ruled out. The situation could even start to take shape next summer, as the 2027-28 season is the last guaranteed under his current contract.
If the Slovenian were considering leaving Los Angeles, the Lakers would be interested in getting something in return before losing him. The scenario is reminiscent, according to Lane, of what happened with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as other cases involving NBA superstars, where the situation can become complicated when there is little time left to make a decision about the future.
"We could be a year away from talking about Luka trades. It's not where I hope we are, or where the Lakers want to be, but that's the reality of the situation," Lane explained.
Additionally, Doncic has a player option for the 2028-29 season. Therefore, in two years, he could become a free agent if he chooses not to exercise it and decides to continue his career with another team.
"Yes, and it's really two years, two summers away from free agency," Lane added. "If the Lakers approach Luka next summer and ask him, 'So, what are you thinking for your next contract?' and he responds, 'Well, I don't know, maybe I'll look at other options...’"
Ownership uncertainty, another factor
The current controversy surrounding the ownership of the Lakers is well known, and although many believe it will not affect the players or what happens on the court, there is no guarantee that this will be the case.
Doncic is set to play under a fifth different ownership group in recent seasons, and if the uncertainty and internal tensions resulting from such major changes end up causing discomfort for the player, the possibility of him requesting a trade or even leaving as a free agent cannot be excluded.
In addition, this was supposed to be a crucial summer for the Lakers, but ultimately it did not turn out that way. The franchise failed to acquire superstar-level talent and instead opted for long-term contracts for players who still need to prove themselves as difference-makers on championship-contending teams.
If the Lakers struggle to compete or even make the playoffs, the chance of Doncic seeking a trade to play on a stronger roster also cannot be discounted.
For now, all of these concerns may take a back seat, but the future of Doncic will need to stay on the minds of the key figures in the franchise going forward.
Doncic is committed to the Lakers for now
At the moment, there are no official reports or evidence indicating that Doncic is considering leaving Los Angeles or has requested a trade. The scenario outlined by the Lakers Collective refers to a future possibility that has not yet materialized.
The Slovenian signed a three-year contract extension worth around $165 million with the Lakers last summer, a decision he made of his own volition. While it may be difficult to turn down such a substantial amount, if he had not wanted to continue in Los Angeles, he would not have signed the deal.
When he put his signature on the new contract, Doncic made clear his intention to remain with the Lakers for the long haul.
"When I started playing, I knew I wanted to be here. It's an incredible organization. We trust each other. Honestly, I decided pretty quickly," he stated in 2025. "It's an honor to play for this organization. Many, many great players have played here. Obviously, I want to add one more to that list, so that's what we're working towards."
His commitment to the project is also evident in his most recent actions. Currently, Doncic is hosting his Lakers teammates in his native country, Slovenia, with the goal of improving the team chemistry ahead of the 2026-27 season.
If the star were already contemplating a future away from Los Angeles, it would be unlikely that he had organized a transatlantic private flight and prepared activities to strengthen the bonds of a group of players he planned to leave shortly after.
Therefore, the Lakers can feel reassured for now. There are no indications that Doncic is going to request a trade. However, if the franchise fails to provide him with the necessary resources to compete, the possibility of him looking towards other teams cannot be ruled out. Los Angeles must continue working to ensure the success of their star player while he remains with the franchise.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: ¿Podría salir Luka Doncic de los Lakers?
