From the early days in Minneapolis with George Mikan to legends like Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have never been short on star talent.
The current era is no different, with LeBron James still making an impact alongside Luka Doncic.
With Luka as the franchise’s future, speculation grows about his next star teammate as LeBron nears retirement.
Speaking to Lakers Nation, Ice Cube was asked to choose between Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for a hypothetical addition to the Lakers roster.
Ice Cube would welcome another big name to pair with Luka Doncic
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign, the Lakers are in a good place. Doncic is back healthy, and the roster has taken a step forward. Deandre Ayton’s arrival gives them another option, especially in pick-and-roll situations, where he can be effective alongside either Doncic or James.
Ayton fits well into what the Lakers want to do offensively, but he is not seen as the long-term star to build around Doncic. That is where outside help comes into play, and Ice Cube did not hesitate when asked who he would like to see join the team.
“I was shocked, but not surprised. The Lakers are amazing when it comes to this kind of stuff. They’ve been doing it since Bob McAdoo. They always somewhat get their man. This has been happening since I wasn’t paying attention as much with Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“We got what we needed if he (James) decides to look elsewhere. We’ll take another one if he hits the door.
“I would take Giannis. I think he (Doncic) would have too much fun with Jokic. They’d go off the rails. You gotta sometimes break up some of that fun because it doesn’t always spill onto the court. It spills off the court.”
Lakers’ future looks bright no matter what path they take
The Western Conference is not short on quality sides right now, with OKC and Denver standing out as early favourites. But a team featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic is always in the conversation.
Even if James decides it’s time to move on or hang up his boots altogether, the foundations are solid enough for LA to stay competitive in the coming years.
JJ Redick has shown he can get the best out of his players, and building around Doncic gives him plenty to work with. Even after James moves on, there’s enough in place for the Lakers to stay competitive.
Whether it is through smart signings or taking bigger swings for stars like Jokic or Antetokounmpo, there is reason to believe in their direction. Expectations should be kept in check, but as Ice Cube said, the Lakers always find a way.
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