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5 Superstars the Lakers new ownership could eventually put next to Luka Doncic

· Tyler Watts · 2026-08-16T13:14:37+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The Los Angeles Lakers shockingly changed owners again after Bob Iger and Josh Kushner agreed to buy the team, and the new leaders could look to make a splash. Luka Doncic isn’t going anywhere. He quickly shared his support on social media and is one of the best players on the planet. Ownership should be looking to build their relationship with Luka, but this is the Lakers. They are always chasing their next superstar. Roster turnover is more frequent than ever in the NBA. The second apron makes every dollar count, and even star players are getting sent packing. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown were dealt this summer. The Celtics and Thunder have already torn down their championship rosters, and the same decisions are coming for the Knicks. Talent will be available. New owners love to make a splash. The Lakers are trying to build their roster around Luka Doncic. Some players will thrive in the new setup. The Lakers spent the majority of their assets to build this roster, but new ownership may lead to other changes. If Rob Pelinka is gone, the Lakers could be star-chasing next to Luka. Austin Reaves would need to be moved. It is likely a few years away, but these are the names new ownership could eventually target. 5. AJ Dybantsa Fans are years away from seeing the number one overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft available, but the Wizards tried to push toward contention by adding Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Extending Young long-term adds another level of risk. Ice Trae has missed the playoffs three straight years. There are no guarantees Washington is ready to win, and things could quickly turn south. Dybantsa just signed through 2030, when he can become a restricted free agent. Could he be the first star player to force his way off a team on his rookie deal? The teenager looked like a special scorer in the summer league, and the Wizards have already had issues building around him. It will depend on how bad things get. Anthony Davis was traded after seven years in New Orleans. Luka will be 34 and still ready to lead a championship roster even if the Lakers have to wait until 2033. The number one overall pick will certainly be on their radar if he lives up to his potential. 4. Scottie Barnes Barnes is already a two-time All-Star and elite two-way force at 25 years old. He could be the next Paul George or Kawhi Leonard. The 6’8 forward can handle the ball, play multiple positions, defend, rebound, and get buckets. Barnes just led Toronto to the playoffs, and the best is yet to come. He is a consistent jump shot away from being the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic. Barnes can play lockdown defense and operate as the number two. Fans have seen Luka have success playing next to a co-star creator. Now, imagine if that star was one of the best defenders in the game. It could be championship winning. Barnes is signed through 2030 and is the face of the Raptors, but things can change quickly. If Toronto starts to struggle, the two-time All-Star could be looking for the exit ramp just as he enters his prime. 3. Anthony Edwards ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has noted there is already noise about Ant Man. Minnesota dumped Julius Randle and traded for LaMelo Ball. It was a bold move to solve their point guard woes, but it will be difficult to maneuver their way out of it. Edwards has led the Wolves to the conference finals twice in the last three years. The 25-year-old is just entering his prime and wants to win a championship. He is currently under contract until 2029, but fans know the pressure starts before the deal runs out. Minnesota would have to trade Ant Man in the summer of 2028 if he is unwilling to extend his contract. Edwards wants to play with a star point guard. Fans have seen his immense two-way ability. This could be the NBA’s best duo and lead the Lakers to a championship. Fans can’t rule this one out, especially if the LaMelo era tanks in Minnesota. 2. Cooper Flagg The Flagg era in Dallas has already seen plenty of turmoil. He arrived on the heels of the Doncic trade, and it led to plenty of changes. Nico Harrison was fired, Anthony Davis was traded, and the Mavericks completely revamped their front office and coaching staff. Masai Ujiri is in charge and appears to be back to building what he left in Toronto. Flagg will finally have Kyrie Irving for his second NBA season, but the roster doesn’t quite fit. Dallas needs more shooting and shot creation. Masai won a championship in Toronto, but it took a bold Kawhi Leonard trade. He may not be able to replicate that in Dallas, and Flagg could be looking to take his talents where he can win. The reigning Rookie of the Year is on his way to superstardom. He will soon be one of the top five players in the world, and the Lakers have taken advantage of the Mavericks in the past. Fans would love a repeat of history with Flagg. Doncic and Flagg could be an elite duo if things fall apart or Dallas just decides to make another historic blunder. 1. Nikola Jokic Jokic can become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines his player option. The three-time MVP is refusing to sign an extension. He says he wants to be a Nugget for life, but the franchise has to be worried. They’ve won just two playoff series in the last three years. Jokic wants to win and is good friends with Luka Doncic. The Lakers would dump Austin Reaves in an instant to sign the Joker. Los Angeles would again have the best point guard and big man in the world. Fans know that has long been the purple and gold’s recipe for success. Fans may question the defense, but this would be the best duo in the world instantly. The three-time MVP may never leave Denver, but Luka would make the Lakers one of his top destinations if he decides to switch teams. There has long been chatter about Jokic and Doncic playing together. There is an opportunity to make it happen next summer if the Joker changes his mind. The Los Angeles Lakers are always chasing their next superstar. They need some time to replenish their assets, but that won’t stop the new ownership from creating plans. Marquee talent will be available, and the Lakers are known for capitalizing, even when it seems impossible. Don’t be surprised to see another superstar flanking Luka under the new ownership. That is what the Lakers do.