Nikola Jokic Adds Fuel to Denver Nuggets 2027 Exit Fears, But It Won’t Boost LA Lakers Rumors
· Yahoo Sports
Nikola Jokic just gave even more reason to believe that if he does leave the Denver Nuggets after the 2026-27 season, it will be for retirement, not a chance to play elsewhere.
While that probably wasn’t the goal, Jokic gave Nuggets fans reason for concern this summer. For the second straight offseason, the three-time NBA MVP and the greatest player in franchise history pushed signing a new long-term extension until next year.
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Understandably, the decision created renewed speculation that the 31-year-old wanted to see what the front office would do to improve the roster this summer. Unfortunately, the Nuggets didn’t do much and actually lost good talent in Peyton Watson. With the big man having an opt-out in his contract before next season, many wonder if he will exercise it to hit free agency next summer. And that could include trying to find a way to team up with long-time pal Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nikola Jokic again speaks out on hatred of fame
Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesWhile that approach would jive with the pursuit of titles that other top stars in the NBA take, Jokic has been adamant on more than one occasion that he wants to finish his career in Denver. What if he is being truthful, but the end is after the upcoming season? In a new interview with the Joa Mile podcasts, Jokic detailed his deep dislike for the celebrity life being a superstar athlete comes with.
“I’m getting more and more bothered by popularity. This is going to sound corny, but I’m getting ruder to people who approach me,” Jokic said. “Honestly, it’s tiring… Some people around me know I don’t take pictures because it’s my time. I’ll sound rude again, but what can I do? … It’s been 11 to 12 years, and enough is enough.”
This is not the first-time Jokic has spoken publicly about his disdain for the attention fame brings. It seems like his hate of it has only gotten stronger. Furthermore, in the interview, he questioned fans for looking up to him as a role model. “Some people might not like it, but I don’t think they should be looking up to me.”
After making over $300 million during his career (before he makes $59 million more in 2026-27), would anyone be shocked if Jokic pulled Barry Sanders and walked away from the game at the height of his powers? Nuggets fans should seriously consider the idea that this could be his last season not just in Denver, but in the NBA.
Nikola Jokic will not leave Denver Nuggets to team up with Luka Doncic on LA Lakers
Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (left) talks with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (right) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe eight-time All-Star’s thoughts about fame should send a clear message to Lakers fans dreaming of the idea of Jokic and Doncic teaming up in LA next season: It’s not going to happen. He deeply hates the drawbacks of fame spending half the year living in Denver. The Mile High City is a major metropolis, but it pales in comparison to life in Hollywood.
The paparazzi and media levels will double as a player for the Lakers. Especially with championship aspirations. While the Lakers could probably make Denver a pretty good offer in a sign-and-trade, Jokic would surely rather retire than deal with all that comes with being a top sports star in Los Angeles.
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