The Los Angeles Lakers might be able to get $135 million. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and a Boston Celtics star will create the Big Three to increase title hopes.

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been synonymous with star power, championship pedigree, and headline-grabbing moves. From the Showtime era to the Shaq and Kobe years, to LeBron and AD’s 2020 championship run, the Lakers have rarely shied away from building around superstars. Now, as whispers grow louder, a potentially seismic shift in the NBA landscape could see the Lakers forming an astronomical Big Three: LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and a rising star from the Boston Celtics — a move that could cost up to $135 million and reshape the NBA title chase.

This ambitious plan isn’t just fantasy fodder; it has credible legs rooted in the Lakers’ cap flexibility, LeBron’s influence, player relationships, and some behind-the-scenes chess moves already in play. If the stars align, both literally and figuratively, the Lakers might just pull off one of the boldest roster shake-ups in league history.

At 40 years old, LeBron James is still performing at an elite level, defying age and narrative. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game in the 2024–25 season, showing little sign of decline. But as he inches closer to retirement, the four-time NBA champion is not just thinking about legacy—he’s thinking about one more ring.

James has a player option worth approximately $51.4 million for the 2025–26 season. League insiders believe LeBron could opt out—not to leave, but to restructure. By taking a pay cut or restructuring in a way that helps the Lakers open more cap space, James can act as the linchpin for a larger superteam movement. He’s done this before with Miami and Cleveland. He understands that championship windows are fleeting, and a potential Big Three could maximize the final chapter of his career.

More crucially, James’ deep connections around the league give him a unique recruiting edge. And it seems he’s already started making calls.

If the Lakers pull this off, Luka Dončić would be the most prized acquisition since they traded for Anthony Davis in 2019. The 26-year-old Slovenian superstar has been a walking triple-double, a perennial MVP candidate, and one of the most offensively gifted players of his generation. In 2024–25, Dončić averaged a staggering 33.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.4 rebounds per game, singlehandedly keeping the Dallas Mavericks relevant in a loaded Western Conference.

But despite his brilliance, Dallas has struggled to build a consistent contender around him. The Mavericks were ousted early in the playoffs yet again, leading to speculation about Dončić’s long-term future. Although he’s under contract through 2027 with a player option in 2028, rumblings suggest he could request a trade if the front office fails to surround him with championship-level talent.

Enter the Lakers.

Los Angeles has multiple future picks, expiring contracts, and perhaps most importantly, the allure of playing with LeBron James and under the Hollywood spotlight. A trade for Dončić would require moving heaven and earth—likely involving Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and multiple first-round picks—but the reward could be franchise-altering.

League sources say the Lakers are willing to put everything on the table for Luka. Team owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka reportedly view Dončić as the ideal heir to LeBron and the long-term face of the franchise.

While Dončić would be the headline act, the third piece of this potential supertrio might surprise some: Jaylen Brown, the explosive wing from the Boston Celtics. Brown, fresh off a career year, has elevated his two-way game, averaging 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and locking down elite scorers on the defensive end. He helped Boston finish first in the Eastern Conference during the regular season and carried much of the scoring load during Jayson Tatum’s slumps.

Brown signed a five-year, $304 million supermax extension in 2023, which kicks in this upcoming season. But his fit with Tatum has occasionally raised questions. Both are high-usage wings, and despite success on paper, there have been whispers around the league that Brown might seek a team where he can be a definitive No. 2 or even co-leader—rather than playing in Tatum’s shadow.

The Lakers are monitoring the situation closely. According to sources, Brown is intrigued by the idea of playing in L.A., where his brand could blossom off the court and his game could expand alongside veterans like LeBron and Luka. The financials are tricky, and a trade would require significant maneuvering, but the Lakers believe that by restructuring LeBron’s deal, stretching out smaller contracts, and flipping AD or other assets, they could make room for Brown’s massive contract.

So how would this all fit financially?

To bring in both Dončić and Brown, the Lakers would likely need to shed upwards of $80–90 million in contracts. That could involve trading Anthony Davis ($43.2 million), D’Angelo Russell ($18.7 million player option), Jarred Vanderbilt ($11 million), and perhaps even Christian Wood. Pair that with LeBron potentially restructuring down to $35 million and Dončić’s $43 million cap hit, and the Lakers would hover around the luxury tax but within striking distance of the hard cap, especially if the Celtics facilitate a sign-and-trade involving expiring contracts.

The estimated combined figure of LeBron ($35M), Dončić ($43M), and Brown ($57M) totals $135 million. That’s a big chunk of the projected $141 million salary cap for 2025–26, but creative structuring and use of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions—such as frontloading or deferred payments—could make it viable.

Rob Pelinka has a reputation for pulling off the improbable. This wouldn’t be easy, but it wouldn’t be unprecedented either.

The biggest casualty in this plan could be Anthony Davis. Despite his elite defensive ability and All-NBA level production, the Lakers may view Luka Dončić as a better long-term investment. Davis is 32 and has struggled with injuries in recent years. If the Lakers are truly serious about building around Dončić for the next decade, AD might be the asset they have to part with.

A potential three-team trade could send Davis to a contender in need of a big man—like the Knicks, Bulls, or even back to New Orleans—while funneling assets and expiring deals to Boston and Dallas. Though AD has a no-trade clause, sources suggest he would be open to relocation if the Lakers aren’t in full win-now mode.

From a basketball standpoint, the trio of LeBron, Luka, and Brown is mouthwatering.

• LeBron James: Still an elite passer and scorer in transition. His leadership, IQ, and playoff experience are unmatched.
• Luka Dončić: A half-court savant who controls pace, creates mismatches, and can shoot from anywhere.
• Jaylen Brown: A slasher, elite perimeter defender, and capable secondary creator who thrives off-ball.

The beauty of this trio is versatility. LeBron and Luka can initiate offense, freeing Brown to focus on defense and attacking in transition. Luka can handle the bulk of the ball-handling duties as LeBron ages. Defensively, Brown would be asked to guard the opponent’s best wing, taking pressure off LeBron.

They cover each other’s weaknesses and amplify their strengths. This trio would be nightmare fuel for opposing coaches.

Beyond the court, this move is tailor-made for Los Angeles. A Luka-LeBron-Brown trio would dominate headlines, merchandise, and global attention. Luka’s European fanbase, combined with LeBron’s global appeal and Brown’s growing brand, could lead to an unprecedented marketing bonanza.

But more than money or fame, this move is about legacy. LeBron wants that elusive fifth ring. Luka wants his first. Brown wants to be seen as more than Tatum’s sidekick. In Los Angeles, under the bright lights, they could each achieve what has eluded them in their respective careers.

The 2025 offseason could be the most critical in recent Lakers history. With LeBron potentially opting out, trade talks heating up in Dallas and Boston, and the team sitting on a stockpile of picks and movable contracts, everything is in place for something massive.

While skeptics will point to the financial hurdles, injury risks, and chemistry questions, history shows that bold moves often define greatness. The Miami Heat Big Three. The Warriors landing Durant. Even the original Lakers superteams.

If the Lakers can pull this off—$135 million for three transcendent talents—the NBA landscape will tilt west once again. Not just toward L.A., but toward the bright yellow glow of championship gold.

In an era where player empowerment, branding, and team-building intersect like never before, the Lakers are positioning themselves to make a generational swing. Whether it results in titles or turmoil, this potential Big Three of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Jaylen Brown would be the most talked-about storyline in the league.

And if it happens, the Lakers won’t just be chasing rings—they’ll be chasing immortality.