The Los Angeles Lakers are fresh from their 2020 NBA title conquest, their 17th title overall. They are expected to make changes this offseason with several players out of contract and some likely to be let go.
There is a chance that the Lakers could land another superstar this offseason. And one player that Earvin "Magic" Johnson would not mind seeing in Hollywood is Luka Doncic. Without question, the Slovenian guard is one of the hot commodities in the league today. But getting him this soon from the clutches of the Dallas Mavericks is unlikely to materialize.
Johnson appeared on ESPN's "First Take" with Max Kellerman recently, expressing his desire to get the 21-year-old to the Lakers side. While Doncic would be a viable solution to address the Lakers' playmaking shortcomings, the closest time to seeing that happen will take years.
Seeing how Doncic has risen to stardom in his first two years in the NBA. Last season, his numbers were phenomenal. He averaged 28.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 33.6 minutes of action, clearly one of the top stars that Mark Cuban has right now. It won't come as a surprise if the Mavericks secure the third overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft this season, meaning the Lakers or any other team with a vested interest in him will have to wait.
For the Lakers, the best they can do is dream about it. Pundits feel that the earliest possible time to see Doncic move out of Dallas is roughly four to five years. If one counts the years of LeBron James, that could be perfect. Though he performed well yet again, there is no denying the King cannot fight father time.
There is even a possibility that James could still be playing by then. Assuming that the Lakers find a way to reel in Doncic, the four-time NBA champion would be 39. Unless he shows signs of slowing down, there is a chance that they could still play together. And even if he does slow down, it would be a perfect time to pass on the baton to James.
For now, the Lakers need to figure out who will stay and who will go. Anthony Davis is likely to re-sign with a lucrative deal and long-term. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope proved to be a revelation, same with Rajon Rondo. But players who are not so certain include Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee. The Lakers need to make salary room and these are players who could be shipped out or not returning at all.
