LeBron James is not the only major figure leaving Los Angeles this offseason. Mark Walter, who bought a majority stake in the franchise just a year ago, is now on his way out as well. The Lakers are to be sold for a reported record-breaking $12.5bn by Walter.
He bought it for an estimated $10bn. Now, Josh Kushner and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger take the helm of a James-less franchise. However, as the franchise undergoes a monumental transition on and off the court, LeBron James’ friend Cuffs the Legend has dropped a bombshell prediction on the star that currently remains in LA, Luka Doncic.
Cuffs The Legend Predicts A Dallas Return For Luka Doncic After Lakers Sale
Last August, Luka Dončić agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, bypassing a chance at free agency in 2026. It seemed that Doncic was committed to the vision for the Lakers next era.
Now that James has left, the ownership is changing, and it seems Dončić will need to endure the growing pains of that transition. According to Cuffs The Legend, Dončić will eventually tire and leave for the Dallas Mavericks.
“Luka Dončić will not retire a LA Laker,” he wrote. “I give it about 2-3 more years of mediocrity, and Luka watching other star players win championships before him before you start hearing rumblings about Luka being ‘unhappy with the direction of the Lakers’ and his inevitable reunion with the Dallas Mavericks.'”
Luka Doncic will not retire a LA Laker
I give it about 2-3 more years of mediocrity and Luka watching other star players win championships before him before you start hearing rumblings about Luka being “unhappy with the direction of the Lakers” and his inevitable reunion with…
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) August 12, 2026
The 27-year-old’s history with the Mavericks is well known across the basketball world, where he led them to the 2024 NBA Finals. Now, the Mavericks have a phenom in Cooper Flagg leading their potential return to the top.
Dončić’s addition would give them another weapon to break down opponents. While it seems Dončić could find that enticing if the Lakers sink into a lengthy transition, for now, he has sent a clear message about his future.
“Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA,” he posted, reacting to the sale. “I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.”
Dončić has already played under 4 different owners in less than three years. The Kushner-Iger duo will be his fifth. He could also lead the Lakers back to glory in their post-James era under new leadership.
