LeBron James was spotted with Nikola Jokic's agent in an unlikely offseason meeting.
Nikola Jokic's Agent Cryptic Message After LeBron James Meeting Sparks Wild Fan Theories About Lakers Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, ensuring he'll be on an NBA roster for a record-breaking 23rd season in a row. Given he's on a 20-year streak of being named to the All-Star and All-NBA Teams, it's clear that he's reaching heights of longevity not seen.
However, James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers has been greatly debated since he accepted his player option. With cryptic comments and rampant reporting, it seems all might not be perfect in Laker Land for LeBron.
Amid this uncertainty and speculation, Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic's agent, Misko Raznatovic, posted a picture of himself with James and business partner Maverick Carter.
"The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!"
Fans Are Buzzing About LeBron James and Nikola Jokic Potentially Teaming Up
"LeBron is a Nugget," said a fan after this unlikely offseason sighting.
"You gotta give it to LeBron — his mind games are next level when it comes to contract stuff. The execution obviously needs some improvement, but this kind of stuff is just chef's kiss," said one fan about this being a strategic move by James.
"LeBron going to Colorado was not something I would have said could happen," said another fan about a potential future move.
"How is this not tampering," said an upset fan.
"LeBron going to the Nuggets for a minimum," said another fan.
"Both are free agents in 2026 lol. Jokic and LeBron will team up wherever they want," said a fan bringing up a potential third destination for this team-up.
LeBron James Is a Free Agent in 2026
This post is intriguing fans primarily because of what Jokic's agent had to say and the contract future of James. After accepting his player option for the 2025-26 season, there has been aggressive speculation about what James wants in the swan song of his career.
If the Lakers are moving forward with Luka Doncic as their focus, James could target a new team for what could be his retirement season. The Nuggets aren't a destination many imagined, but it inarguably helps him remain in championship contention alongside Jokic.
Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists last season and was runner-up for MVP, while James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
If James had to pick a new destination to sign a minimum contract and contend for a title, the Nuggets would be an attractive destination.
How Do the Lakers Factor in For Both Stars
Amid the speculation surrounding James' future, it has also been reported that the Lakers are focused on building around Doncic.
Many assume he will stay with the Lakers after signing a contract extension in August. If he does that, 2026 free agency will be the franchise's first real chance at building the new-look Lakers.
If James is not extended and the Lakers have cap space to play with, they could make a run at Jokic, provided he doesn't extend with the Nuggets. Jokic will be on an expiring $59.03 million contract after next season. If he's not happy with his future on the Nuggets, he could make the desire for a move clear.
Doncic and Jokic are close personal friends and would make for arguably the best superstar duo in the NBA if they team up. However, it's hard to see how the Lakers could manage the assets required to trade for a four-time MVP like Jokic or why the Nuggets would allow that.
If James isn't meant to be a Laker after 2026, targeting Jokic would be the perfect way to remain a title threat, even if it currently seems unrealistic.
Related: LeBron James' Morning Social Media Post Is Puzzling Fans on Thursday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
