Were you impressed with the Los Angeles Lakers shocking the universe and trading for Luka Dončić?
Just wait ’till you find out what Lakers GM Rob Pelinka pulls off in 2027.
For now, the Lakers have a disgustingly dominant duo in Luka and LeBron James, the latter of whom is putting up MVP-type numbers at age 40.
There’s even new chatter that LeBron could play another 3-to-5 years now that Luka is poised to take a ton of weight off Bron’s shoulders.
When James does decide to retire, even if it’s at age 45, Dončić, 25, should still be at the peak of his prime, at which point the Lakers would want to provide Luka with another running mate to replace LeBron.
Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, who could become a free agent as early as the 2027 offseason. Giannis has a player option for 2027-28.
If Giannis fails to do any substantial winning with Damian Lillard between now and then (a likely outcome, given the strength of the East), it’s incredibly easy to imagine the Greek Freak taking his talents to greener pastures after what will by then have been 14 seasons played with the Bucks.
Giannis doesn’t owe Milwaukee a thing; he brought the franchise a championship.
In the summer of 2027, a 32-year-old Giannis could very well decide to leave the Bucks and join a team with a greater chance at a title … how about the Los Angeles Lakers led by Luka Dončić, who will be 28 years old?
Giannis has been outspoken about wanting to see European stars playing in the biggest NBA markets, which of course includes himself.
And given the Lakers’ history of acquiring Hall of Fame talents in the latter stages of their career, Giannis to LA makes way too much sense not to happen.
Amazingly, LeBron could still be playing NBA basketball in 2027-28. Can you imagine a Big 3 of Luka, Giannis, and LeBron on the Lakers?
Rob Pelinka certainly can.
Once LeBron finally retires, Luka and Giannis would be an absurd duo to ensure continual contention in a post-LeBron world for the Lakers.
Defensively, Giannis would make up for a lot of shortcomings Luka presents, and on offense, Giannis would be a supreme pick-and-roll lob threat with Luka, the greatest pick-and-roll passer of all time.
Surround Prime Luka and Giannis with a bunch of floor-spacing shooters who can defend, and you’re the best team in the NBA.
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