That's something that appears strange at first, and then you look at who might be available then, and his name is Nikola Jokic. Jokic can opt-out of his contract after the 2026-27 season, so buckle up.

Superstar Luka Doncic was predicted to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in 2026 to team up with his friend Nikola Jokic on the Denver Nuggets.

Ayton has a chance to be the long-term center option the Lakers have badly needed. However, there are questions about his ability to turn his career around and finally live up to the hype that he received when he originally came into the NBA.