At this time of the season, the NBA is a hotbed of rumors. The future of many players is up in the air and any hint of a major move, no matter how small, becomes a bombshell. Sometimes it takes just one image and one sentence to unleash a perfect storm. Especially if the photograph shows the all-powerful LeBron James and the Serbian agent of Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets star, the no less influential Misko Raznatovic.
He posted a stunning image on his social media showing him on a yacht in Saint Tropez, France, with LeBron and Maverick Carter, the principal partner in all of James’ businesses, all of them in a relaxed attitude. And if the photograph is enigmatic, even more disturbing is the message that accompanies the image: “Summer 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for fall 2026!”
In a league like the NBA, where subtle moves often indicate big power plays, this post by Raznatovic is much more than just a holiday selfie, and America’s most prestigious analysts have tried to decipher its meaning. From the possible arrival of Jokic to the Lakers in the 2026-27 season, to the departure of ‘King’ James to the Nuggets that same season, to a supposed alliance between the two to create a new international league.
LeBron’s last attempt for the ring
LeBron James, who will turn 41 on December 30, exercised his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2024-25 campaign. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. Although it is clear that the Los Angeles franchise’s short- and medium-term planning already revolves around Luka Doncic, LeBron could agree to stay for another year on a veteran minimum contract in his last attempt to win a ring. Especially if they manage to involve three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in their project.
Several analysts suspect that LeBron James may be in talks with Raznatovic to try to recruit the Denver Nuggets’ Serbian superstar to the Lakers in the summer of 2026 and form a huge ‘Big Three’ alongside Doncic that would return the Los Angeles franchise to title contention.
Jokic refused to renew with the Nuggets
This theory gained momentum after it was revealed that Jokic recently turned down a four-year, $212 million contract extension from the Nuggets. The Serbian center is the second-highest paid player in the NBA. He will earn $55.2 million next season, $59 million in 2026-27 and has a player option for $62.8 million in 2027-28. But according to some reports, the Lakers have been hoarding salary cap space for the 2026 free agency.
Another theory would be a reverse transfer. That is, LeBron would end up with the Nuggets at the end of the year he has left on his contract with the Lakers. It would not be the first time that Denver has gone after ‘King’ James. They already tried in 2018, but LeBron preferred the glitz of Los Angeles to the mountains of Colorado. Now, seven years later, the situation could have changed. Adding LeBron, even at 41 years old, could return them to championship contention.
Business synergy
Another thesis that should not be ruled out is the possibility of a business synergy between LeBron’s companies and Raznatovic’s. Maverick Carter, James’ longtime partner, has spearheaded an ambitious plan to launch a $5 billion international basketball league, and Raznatovic, who represents almost half of the EuroLeague players, would be an ideal partner to boost it. If James becomes an owner or exerts influence in management after retirement, tapping into European talent through Raznatovic could be a great move.
Raznatovic’s post was no coincidence. LeBron has always been a master of communication, and this could be a trial balloon to gauge the reaction of fans or even a power play to put pressure on the Lakers. And one thing is for sure: when LeBron says nothing, that’s usually when he’s planning something big. He never gives a stitch without a thread. We will have to wait for events to unfold
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