LeBron James has recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’ll keep him with the team for at least two more seasons. As speculation about the future of the Lakers arises, reports suggest that the team might target Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic once James eventually departs.
However, former NBA star Robert Horry has expressed doubts about Doncic being the right fit for the Lakers. On the “Big Shot Bob Podcast,” Horry shared his concerns.
“You got to think about this; Luka is going to be how old (when his current deal expires)? Like 31, 32?… He ain’t the best defensive player now, and that’s the Lakers’ problem,” Horry said.
“You gotta have some athletic guys that can play some defense, and Luka can score with the best of them, but we also know you gotta take beers out of his hand because he ain’t the one to stay in shape. He’s gonna be good, but he ain’t gonna be what you need, probably,” he added.
Should the Lakers Try to Bring Luka Doncic After LeBron James Retires?
There’s no denying Luka Doncic’s talent. Since joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, the Slovenian star has consistently impressed with his performance on the court. Last season, Doncic led the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.
Though they fell short of winning the title, Luka had an outstanding season. He averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.
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Currently, Doncic is under a five-year, $215 million contract with the Mavericks, keeping him with the team through the 2026–27 season. Given this contract, any potential move for Dončić by the Lakers would have to wait until after this deal concludes.
As LeBron James nears the end of his career, the Lakers could look to add a star like Doncic to their roster to maintain their competitive edge. With his impressive stats and proven ability to lead a team, Doncic could be a key piece in the Lakers’ future plans.
