Conversely, while James' future in L.A. still remains up in the air, it's expected that Doncic will re-sign with the team, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension on Aug. 2, or he can sign a three-year, $165 million extension with a 2028 player option.

Ayton can give Luka Dončić the instant lob threat that he has craved ever since the Lakers acquired him in February. Ayton can give the Lakers easy buckets partly because LeBron James prides himself on making the right pass. Ayton can give the Lakers the steady rim protection they lacked in the playoffs after trading Anthony Davis.

NBA free agency officially opened on June 30, and teams have already secured deals with some of the biggest names on the open market.

5x NBA All-Star Predicted to Join Lakers or Warriors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After their early playoff exits last season, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are both teams to monitor this offseason as they look to re-establish themselves as title contenders for next year.