LeBron James and Maverick Carter were recently seen with Nikola Jokic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic, raising new questions about the veteran forward’s future with the Lakers.
Raznatovic posted a photo on Instagram with James and Carter, accompanied by a cryptic caption that read, “The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!” That single line has reignited speculation about what lies ahead for James and whether Los Angeles is preparing for a major shift.
James, 40, opted into the final year of his contract for the 2025-26 season but has long left the door open for a potential trade. Many around the league believe that a move could come sooner rather than later as the franchise looks toward a potential overhaul.
The buzz comes amid reports that Los Angeles could pivot toward a long-term rebuild, freeing cap space to pursue a new superstar as early as next summer. Two names frequently mentioned are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jokic. The front office appears to be positioning itself for a splash in either the 2026 or 2027 offseason.
Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, continues to elevate his profile as one of the game’s best. The 30-year-old can opt out of his contract in the 2027 offseason, lining up with the Lakers’ potential timeline. Jokic just became the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double across a full season, though he narrowly lost out on the MVP award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The idea of a future Jokic-James alliance may seem far-fetched, but even the imagery of a meeting like this sends shockwaves throughout the NBA landscape. For a franchise navigating the uncertain twilight of James’ legendary career, every subtle move sparks a new round of speculation.
Whether Los Angeles truly intends to make a run at Jokic in two years or the meeting was simply business as usual remains unclear. But with whispers growing louder, the NBA world will be watching what comes next for James and what this means for the next chapter in the Lakers’ future.