The Denver Nuggets have to figure out their playoff plan following the sudden firing of head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. As the 2024-25 NBA regular season winds down, Nikola Jokic might be currently evaluating his role for the team. He might be thinking whether he will stay longer for another championship run.

Of course, Jokic will be a valuable asset for all teams, but the Los Angeles Lakers are well-positioned to land him as the new trade rumor suggests. The purple and gold have turned things around, and they could recruit the Serbian big man for a higher chance to get past the early playoff rounds.

Luka Doncic Ignites Late-Season Push for Lakers

NBA Trade Rumors: How a Nikola Jokic Trade Would Look NBA Trade Rumors: How a Nikola Jokic Trade Would Look
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Though LeBron James is still the franchise face, it's Luka Doncic who's in the news for his timely breakout, according to Sporting News. The Slovenian star, who was traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal last summer, appears to be peaking at just the right time.

In a recent 126-99 demolition of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic scored 30 points, solidifying his status as a difference-maker going into the playoffs. His increasing chemistry with LeBron and the rest of the Lakers' supporting cast has fans optimistic about a deep playoff run.

Denver Nuggets Make Aggressive Moves Before Playoffs

In a stunning twist, the Denver Nuggets made headlines this week by dismissing head coach Mike Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, just as the playoffs are near. The timing has drawn raised eyebrows throughout the league, with critics labeling the move "borderline irresponsible."

Without Malone in charge, Denver's playoff consistency is now in doubt. And if the team does not make a legitimate postseason run, it might be disastrous, particularly with franchise building block Nikola Jokic, said to be "displeased" with the organizational overhaul.

Lakers Become a Frontrunner in Nikola Jokic Trade Rumors

There is speculation around Jokic's Denver future. If the Nuggets implode during the playoffs, the three-time MVP might want a trade, and the Lakers are already being viewed as a landing spot.

Jokic's friendship with Doncic only feeds the rumor mill. LA is the bet-on-favorite to get the Serbian center if a deal happens, says FanDuel Sportsbook. One hypothetical trade on X involves the Lakers offering Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and rookie Dalton Knecht in exchange for Jokic.

Would Denver Trade a Jokic Deal for Reaves?

Trading Jokic would be a wholesale rebuild for the Nuggets. While losing a generational talent is unthinkable, the return value might make it easier to swallow. Reaves, specifically, has flashed star stuff, particularly when LeBron James is out.

Without LeBron, Reaves has averaged 27.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 8.3 assists—numbers that make him a solid building block for a Denver rebuild.