Luka Doncic's future with the Lakers is in flux.
Luka Doncic to Heat Possibility Surfaces Amid LeBron James Drama originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had an eventful offseason to say the least.
It started with the Buss family selling the majority ownership of the team to Mark Walter for an estimated $10 billion in June. The team then took a chance on former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, who had his contract bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.
However, the headliner of the offseason has been the trade rumors centered around LeBron James, whose agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that the two parties are at different stages in their timeline. The four-time MVP is looking to win now, while he views the Lakers offseason moves as being more geared toward the future.
While trades centered around James have been a popular topic, the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson flirted with the idea that the Heat could end up positioning themselves to sign Doncic next offseason. Doncic has a player option for the 2026-27 season, and it is unknown if he plans to opt in to it.
As currently constituted, Heat would have less than $15 M in cap space next summer and would need to do several things to clear max space in surprising event Luka opts for free agency https://t.co/QRRGCu9yTQ
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 16, 2025
Jackson also broke down that Doncic's availability could lead to the Heat exploring options to trade Andrew Wiggins, who was in the trade block over the past few weeks before the Heat decided to keep him.
"Heat intends to keep Wiggins at this time, as 3 of us writers have reported," wrote Jackson. But if Luka shockingly rejects Lakers extension, I would be eager to try to trade him for expiring money to get closer to max space."
Jackson later clarified that his posts were for "informational purposes," but at the very least, it does show Heat fans that a move can be made.
Whether or not Doncic is actually interested in leaving the Lakers or signing with Miami is unknown, but if it does get to a point where it's a possibility, expect for the Heat to do everything they can.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
