Lakers' blockbuster sale quietly gives Mavericks hope to bring Luka Doncic home

The Los Angeles Lakers were just sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and businessman Josh Kushner for $12.5 billion, only 14 months after Mark Walter purchased the organization from the Buss family, and this constant change with the Lakers' stakeholders could prompt Luka Doncic to want out of Los Angeles eventually, which could potentially prompt a reunion with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2028.

He is under contract through the end of the 2028-29 season, but with a player option looming after the 2027-28 season, he could very well hit the open market if things with the Lakers don't go according to plan.

Of course, NBA players, even superstars like Doncic, don't interact with team owners/governors on a day-to-day basis, but there's no denying that Los Angeles is banking on a huge season with Doncic being extension-eligible next summer.

Lakers' inner turmoil could open the door for a Doncic reunion in Dallas

The Lakers had a huge roster overhaul this past summer, and barring the addition of Walker Kessler, most of their additions seemed to be offensive-minded. LeBron James obviously dipped for the Philadelphia 76ers as well, so there's no doubt the organization has changed drastically from head to toe since Doncic arrived in February of 2025.

The Lakers' championship pedigree and track record as an organization can't be questioned, but if they fail to get past the first or second round of the playoffs once again this season, will Doncic really want to commit to a long-term extension in Los Angeles?

Only Doncic can answer this question, but one would assume from an outside perspective that rejoining the Mavericks in 2028 could be a far more attractive situation compared to what's going on in Los Angeles. The Lakers have zero continuity from an ownership perspective, and Jeanie Buss is holding on for dear life to keep her family's stake and legacy with the team.

Mavericks should be a more attractive destination than LA in 2028

On the flip side of things, Dallas has one of the best up-and-coming two-way players in the league with Cooper Flagg, and one would think Kyrie Irving would be interested in re-signing in Dallas again if Doncic were to come back. The Mavericks also have one of the better Presidents of Basketball Operations in the business in Masai Ujiri, so there'd inevitably be a lot of gas in the tank already before Doncic even decided if he wanted to come back or not.

Once again, it's probably too preemptive to think this far in advance, as Doncic could easily sign an extension with the Lakers next summer, but it doesn't look like the Lakers have positioned themselves well to retain him given all the inner turmoil they've had from an ownership perspective, as well as the fact it would be surprising if their roster fares better than last season's roster.

It's definitely not a guarantee Doncic comes back to Dallas anytime soon, but with Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd out of the equation, there's no denying the Mavericks have a chance if he doesn't sign a massive extension next summer. Doncic coming back to Dallas could only be compared to when James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, albeit in entirely different circumstances, as Dallas' fanbase would rejoice, and a championship would be the No. 1 goal on Dallas' radar.

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