NBA BREAKING: Jokic Waiting for Bigger Deal—Could Join Lakers?

🚨 ESPN reports that Nikola Jokic has delayed contract extension talks with the Denver Nuggets until next summer (2026) — potentially aiming for a bigger max deal and keeping trade options, including a move to the Lakers, in play
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Jokic is eligible for a 3-year, $200M+ extension this offseason, but has opted to wait to gain another $77–80M and possibly a fourth year
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. While both parties remain on good terms, delaying the deal has stirred trade buzz—especially around L.A. Lakers interest amid their rebuild .

Get full context on why Jokic’s timing strategy impacts Denver’s cap, potential Lakers scenarios, and free agency implications in the Western Conference.

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Jokic extension delay, Jokic Lakers trade rumors, Denver Nuggets contract news, ESPN breaking NBA, Jokic 2026 deal, NBA Western Conference shakeup, Lakers future plans, Joker contractual strategy