Kevin O’Connor recently caused a stir when he mentioned on his podcast: “The shift“, that the Los Angeles Lakers are considering Luka Doncic as LeBron James’ successor after the four-time MVP retires.
Dallas Mavericks fans might be angry to hear about this speculation, as the team is coming off a Finals appearance and has Doncic surrounded by winning pieces.
Still, O’Connor said the Lakers’ decision not to trade any of their remaining first-round draft picks this offseason to provide James with immediate help this offseason could indicate they plan to make a blockbuster trade in the near future.
The idea of Doncic giving up a good point in Dallas in exchange for a game under the lights in Los Angeles may seem far-fetched at the moment. However, Charlotte Hornets fans should instead hope that the Lakers’ dream scenario comes true.
The reason is simple: The Mavs owe Charlotte their 2027 first-round pick, which is protected for picks one through two. They received that asset when they sent P.J. Washington to Dallas at the end of the season. Trade Deadline 2024.
It turned out that the Hornets could have the last word of this deal even if the Mavs acquire the best player, the one who helped Doncic and company win the Western Conference in the 2024 playoffs. By making this choice, if it comes to fruition, Charlotte could get an asset that could provide the team with a needed reinforcement.
Interestingly, this pick could go as high as third if Dallas bottoms out in the 2026-27 campaign. If Los Angeles manages to steal “Luka Magic” after James retires, which could happen as early as next year, the Hornets could be looking at landing a first-round pick in the summer of 2027. Of course, the hope is that in such a scenario, the Mavs don’t win either of the top two spots in the draft lottery.
That assumption isn’t possible yet, and the Hornets should focus on building on what they have now. The team still has a lot to prove, but doubts about whether it’s better than last season should give it some trouble. extra motivation.
