Kevin O'Connor recently caused quite a stir when he mentioned on his podcast, "The Mismatch," that the Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing Luka Doncic as LeBron James' successor after the four-time MVP retires.
Dallas Mavericks fans might be up in arms upon hearing about the speculation because the team is fresh off a Finals appearance and has surrounded Doncic with win-now pieces.
Even so, O'Connor said that the Lakers' decision not to trade any of their remaining first-round draft picks this offseason to provide James with immediate help this offseason could indicate they are planning to make a blockbuster trade sometime soon.
The Lakers' dream of replacing James with Doncic could benefit the Hornets
Doncic leaving a good thing he has going in Dallas in exchange for playing under the bright lights of Los Angeles might appear far-fetched at the moment. However, the Charlotte Hornets faithful should actually be rooting for the Lakers' dream scenario to come to pass.
The simple reason is that the Mavs owe Charlotte their 2027 first-round pick, which is protected for selections one to two. It received the asset when it shipped P.J. Washington to Dallas at the 2024 trade deadline.
As it turned out, the Hornets could get the last laugh from that deal even if the Mavs acquired the best player, one who helped Doncic and company win the Western Conference in the 2024 playoffs. By nailing that pick, if it does convey, Charlotte could get an asset that could provide the squad with a needed reinforcement.
Interestingly, that selection could go as high as No. 3 if Dallas bottoms out in the 2026-27 campaign. If Los Angeles manages to steal "Luka Magic" after James retires, which could take place as early as next year, the Hornets could be looking at landing a top pick in the summer of 2027. Of course, the hope is that in such a scenario, the Mavs don't win any of the first two slots in the draft lottery.
That hypothetical is still a few years in the future, and the Hornets should stay focused on building on what they have now. The team still has a lot to prove, but doubts about whether it is better than it was last season should give it added motivation.