On the heels of the Denver Nuggets parting methods with coach Michael Malone, betting odds have the Lakers because the favorites to be Nikola Jokic’s subsequent staff.
Whereas Jokic has spent everything of his profession in Denver, it is no secret that he and Luka Doncic are pals. Given the pair’s connection, Bovada has the LA Lakers because the betting favorites to be Nikola Jokic’s subsequent staff.
After the information of Malone being fired, opening odds hit Bovada, with LA as a +500 favourite, and the next-highest NBA staff being the Toronto Raptors, who opened at +1000 odds.
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The sportsbook notably has KK Mega Basket, and KK Joker, two groups that compete for the highest league in Serbia, because the second and third-place contenders to land the three-time MVP.
KK Joker is the membership the place Jokic received his begin as a child, and after the Nuggets massive man’s rise to superstardom, the membership rebranded to KK Joker.
In fact, Jokic is presently on a multi-year extension with the Nuggets that will not see him catch a whiff of free company till the summer time earlier than the 2027-28 season, when he is confronted with a participant choice.
Provided that, if Jokic is to land with the LA Lakers, it must be by way of commerce.
“He can come,” – Wanting again at Nikola Jokic’s feedback about probably becoming a member of forces with Luka Doncic previous to the 2024 All-Star Sport
Whereas Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic have not performed on the identical staff in the course of the common season, the pair’s friendship is on full show throughout All-Star Weekend.
Provided that Doncic missed this yr’s All-Star Sport in San Francisco, Jokic joked about lacking him, nonetheless, final yr, the three-time MVP was requested about the opportunity of the 2 enjoying alongside each other.
In response to the query, which was requested in Serbian throughout his All-Star Media Availability following the 2024 All-Star Sport in Indiana, Jokic stated he would not need to depart Denver, and if Doncic will get bored with Dallas, he is welcome to hitch him.
“I do not know if it is doable. I do not need to depart Denver. I prefer it right here, and it is an amazing group. If Luka will get pissed off in Dallas, then he can come.”
The large query now, in fact, is whether or not, within the wake of Michael Malone’s firing, Nikola Jokic’s stance on staying in Denver has modified.
Malone and Jokic each joined the Nuggets on the identical time, previous to the beginning of the 2015-16 season. Throughout their ten seasons collectively, the 2 made a number of deep postseason runs earlier than successful the 2023 NBA Championship.
Though the staff has struggled as of late, successful simply three of their final ten, there isn’t any telling whether or not Jokic was in favor of the entrance workplace’s resolution.
