The Los Angeles Lakers and their fans often see the best players play for their team. With the current roster, they have LeBron James and Luka Doncic. However, some want more names, including Ice Cube, who had to pick between Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Throughout NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers have had their fair share of superstars. This dates back to the Minneapolis days when they had George Mikan. Over the following decades, they continued to have superstars with the team, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kobe Bryant.
Nowadays, they have a fantastic group of players headlined by LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Since the Slovenian is the team’s long-term superstar, fans are expecting more players to follow him to L.A.
With James getting nearer to retiring, the fans are already theorizing who can replace him. In an interview, popular rapper, actor, and Lakers fan, Ice Cube, chose between Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Lakers will have a strong 2025-26 season with a refreshed Doncic and an improved squad. Deandre Ayton is the latest addition and will be a big-time player for the team. His chemistry with Doncic will be key to the Lakers’ expectations for the season.
The pick-and-roll is the Lakers’ best weapon on offense, and Ayton will be the primary roll man. Whether that will be with Doncic or James, Ayton has the offensive skills to be a game-changer. Despite his natural talent, people know Ayton is not a superstar, so he is not the best long-term partner.
That is where other players come in, and Ice Cube chose the player he wants in Purple and Gold.
“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,” Cube said on Lakers Nation.
“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.”
In the Western Conference, the Lakers have stiff competition with the top teams. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are the top teams, but the Lakers could be the dark horses. With Doncic and James leading the way, they always have a chance to win.
Despite the obstacles along the way, the Lakers have a bright future. With Doncic entering his physical prime, the Lakers have a superstar to build around. They won’t keep relying on James, as Doncic is ready to take over as the new superstar for the Lakers.
JJ Redick knows how to maximize his teams, and Doncic is the perfect cornerstone for any system. As the Lakers continue to build the team, the franchise can succeed even when James retires or leaves.
Through smart signings or ambitious moves like going for Jokic and Antetokounmpo, the Lakers have a promising future. Of course, people must temper expectations, but Ice Cube said it best. The Lakers always find a way to get a star onto their team.
