Could the unthinkable happen? A bold mock trade envisions Nikola Jokic joining forces with Luka Doncic in Los Angeles, shaking up the NBA landscape.

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In today’s NBA, the phrase “no player is untouchable” isn’t just a cliché-it’s a reality we’ve seen play out time and again. Blockbuster trades that once felt impossible are now part of the league’s rhythm.

Even Luka Dončić, once seen as a foundational piece for the long haul, was moved last season. But if there’s one star who still feels immovable, it’s Nikola Jokić.

The three-time MVP has been nothing short of elite over the past five seasons, finishing top-two in MVP voting each year and delivering Denver its first-ever NBA title. He’s the engine that drives the Nuggets-an offensive savant with a game that defies convention and a résumé that already places him among the greats.

Trading Jokić? It sounds absurd.

And yet, this offseason, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke cracked open the door just enough to let the speculation in.

Kroenke hinted that a catastrophic injury to Denver’s rotation could force the team to consider all options-including, theoretically, moving Jokić. That one comment was all it took to send NBA fandom into a frenzy. Trade rumors ignited, and one hypothetical in particular turned heads: Nikola Jokić to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he’d finally team up with Dončić, a pairing both stars have casually floated as a dream scenario in past interviews.

Let’s break down what such a trade would look like-and why it would send shockwaves through the league.

The proposed deal? Denver would receive LeBron James, Bronny James, the Lakers’ 2026, 2028, and 2030 first-round picks, plus a 2031 pick swap. In return, the Lakers land Nikola Jokić.

Now let’s be clear: this is a blockbuster in every sense of the word. The Lakers would be giving up the league’s all-time leading scorer, a generational prospect in Bronny (at least in terms of marketability and upside), and a treasure trove of future picks. But in return, they’d be securing one of the most dominant offensive players in NBA history-and pairing him with Dončić, a player whose basketball IQ and skill set complement Jokić’s to near perfection.

The chemistry between Jokić and Dončić isn’t just theoretical. The two are close off the court and have spoken openly about their desire to play together.

On the floor, their styles mesh in a way that could redefine modern offense. Both are elite playmakers, capable of orchestrating an offense with surgical precision.

Put them in the same jersey, and you’re looking at a duo that could rival-if not surpass-some of the greatest pairings we’ve seen.

Of course, there are massive hurdles to clear before anything like this could happen. LeBron James has a no-trade clause, and it’s hard to imagine him waiving it unless Denver agreed to a buyout that would allow him to choose where he finishes his career.

But for the sake of this exercise, let’s assume that happens. The focus then shifts to what a Jokic-Dončić tandem could accomplish in Los Angeles.

In short: a lot.

This isn’t just about fantasy basketball appeal-though both players would remain first-round locks in any draft-it’s about real-world dominance. Jokić doesn’t need to score 30 to control a game.

Dončić can do just about everything on a basketball court. Together, they’d spearhead an offense that could rival any in league history, with spacing, passing, and shot creation at every turn.

On Denver’s side, it would take a near-apocalyptic scenario to even consider this move. But the signs are worth watching.

Despite reloading around Jokić this offseason, the Nuggets have fallen short in back-to-back second-round exits. There’s a new head coach in the building, and if the team stumbles again, frustration could mount.

If Jokić ever did ask out, Denver would want a return that keeps them competitive while also setting up the next era. A package built around LeBron, Bronny, and multiple firsts could be that bridge-especially if LeBron is bought out and the Nuggets pivot toward building around youth and flexibility.

And from the Lakers’ perspective? This is exactly the kind of swing they’ve been willing to take under Rob Pelinka.

Remember, this is the front office that brought in LeBron, Anthony Davis, and, in this scenario, Dončić. It paid off with a 2020 championship, and with LeBron potentially entering his final season, the time to strike again might be now.

Bringing in Jokić would be Pelinka’s boldest move yet-but it could also be his most brilliant. The ceiling on a Dončić-Jokić-led Lakers squad is sky-high. This is a pairing that could dominate the Western Conference and contend for titles for years to come.

It’s still a long shot. But in today’s NBA? Never say never.