Report: Lakers have discussed possibility of Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving reunion

The Lakers are expected to explore just about every avenue to improve the roster this offseason, especially after another playoff exit left questions about the team’s long-term direction.

One intriguing possibility making the rounds involves a familiar pairing for Luka Doncic.

According to veteran NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Lakers have quietly discussed the pros and cons of potentially reuniting Doncic with Kyrie Irving if LeBron James leaves in free agency.

Doncic and Irving previously starred together with the Mavericks, helping lead Dallas to an NBA Finals appearance during their first full season as teammates.

Their offensive chemistry quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous combinations, with Irving thriving alongside another elite ball-handler and scorer.

Naturally, there would be several hurdles attached to any potential reunion.

For starters, James’ future still looms over everything involving the Lakers. The four-time MVP is set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time since arriving in Los Angeles, and whatever decision he makes will heavily influence the franchise’s next move.

Then there’s the Dallas side of things.

The Mavericks already made one franchise-shifting deal with the Lakers when they sent Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis in a blockbuster move that stunned the NBA.

Since then, Davis has already moved on again after an injury-plagued stretch in Dallas that lasted just 29 games before his trade to the Wizards.

Whether the Mavericks would have any interest in another major transaction with the Lakers is unclear.

Financially, it also wouldn’t be simple. Irving signed a three-year, $119 million extension with Dallas last offseason and still carries a significant cap number.

The Lakers would likely need to involve multiple contracts and possibly key assets such as Austin Reaves to make a deal workable under the salary cap rules.

There are basketball concerns too.

While Irving and Doncic fit seamlessly together offensively in Dallas, Irving is now 34 and coming off a torn ACL that wiped out his entire 2025-26 season. Even before the injury, durability had been a recurring topic throughout portions of his career.

Still, with the offseason just beginning and uncertainty surrounding James, it’s no surprise the Lakers are at least evaluating every possible scenario tied to building around Doncic moving forward.