Just 4 teams remain in the playoffs. As the conference finals kick on, so do the off-season plans for the rest of the 26. For all, it’s how they can build on what they have and improve for the season ahead. It’s a sport of passion and dedication. Well, for most. Particularly not for Nikola Jokic, as is the narrative he set himself. Can you blame him?

All he wants to do is see his horses and kick back after dominating the land. But the world doesn’t see it that way. And his remark about off-season plans has the fans pissed.

“For now, the next couple of days, there’s gonna be a lot of beer probably,” said the Joker on the need to relax after a tough season. Does this show any resemblance to another player with the same love for the alc? Everyone knows what Nico Harrison thought of Luka Doncic when related details of the Don’s life were revealed. The Mavs GM took the high road and traded him to the Lakers.

This has caused the fans to form parallels and hope for a cinematic partnership with the Don and LeBron James. Just the thought of that could make Lakers fans have a childish sparkle in their eyes during games. So let’s hear what the internet has to say about that.

Should Nikola Jokic join the Lakers?

It’s obviously just a joke. But just imagine- the Lakers just looking for a center, and Jokic goes their way. For the fans, it’s just to punish the Joker away from his home. Obviously. One fan said, “This is completely inappropriate for an NBA player. The Nuggets should trade him to the Lakers and teach him a lesson.” But here’s why that’s not the good way out for the Showtime.

There’s no doubt about Nikola Jokic‘s offense. Arguably the greatest passing center ever, the Serbian averages stats that would look insane even in a practice. But where he makes up for attack, he lacks a little bit in the defense. He’s averaging about 110.7 points allowed per 100 possessions, which is ranked 30th among qualified NBA players in 2024-25. And for a 6’11 behemoth, managing just 0.6 blocks a game doesn’t even place him in the top 50 shot blockers in the league. This is exactly what he Lakers need in the center of the court. Getting an offensive demon into the fray with Doncic and James is just too many cooks.

Some of them are blinded by it though. Apparently, some of the fanbase didn’t learn from the last time they traded an attacker for a defender. One fan said, “Agreed,” while others said “One of a kind player, can send his way as much as he wants! his candor is refreshing in a society and environment where money buys brains and mouths. Way to go Joker!” and “Get rid of AD and LeBron and end up with Jokic and Luka? Who says no?😂.”

Speaking of Doncic- his name was bound to come into the topic within 2 seconds of the mention of the word “beer”. One fan said, “Isn’t this why the Mavs traded Luka to the Lakers? I think the Nuggets should do the same thing. Can’t have players drinking the summer away and not conditioning. It’s bad for business. Send him to the Lakers. He’ll hate that.” How did that pay out for them?

Well, the Don has been the best thing to happen to LA since LeBron himself. They’ve finally gotten the answer to James’ advancing age. Now, the King can retire knowing that the Mafia’s top dog can take over with ease. And averaging 28.2/8.1/7.5 in just 28 games ain’t for the faint hearted. The final piece of the puzzle should be a defender who can let the Luka Magic flourish. Not Nikola Jokic.

If he does end up asking for a move this off-season, he won’t be the only Nugget on the move. Well, ex-Nugget. Turns out Michael Malone will finally be busy in the playoffs, just not as he’d have liked. But still, it’s good to see the gaffer with a top job after his premature firing.

Michael Malone lands ESPN gig for the Western Conference Finals

It would’ve been that much sweeter if the Nuggets actually made the finals instead. But that’s not to take away anything from the Thunder’s deserving status. Malone went  against the Thunder. And he laid out the foundations for Denver being OKC’s bogey team this season. So watching him break it down at ESPN against the Timbewolves will be a sight to watch.

According to AP News, Malone will work on the “NBA Countdown” pregame and halftime studio show that will be on site at all the games in the series. And better yet, he’ll be joining Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins and Shams Charania in a star-studded cast.

Just taking the Doncic trade as an example should be the best way to never count anything out. Nico Harrison gave all of us trust issues. So if someone like the Don is vulnerable to a move, an in-demand Nikola Jokic can be heading to any team lucky to get his signature. Luckily Michael Malone doesn’t have to deal with the drama anymore, right?