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San Antonio Spurs' Dream Scenario for 2026 Remains Unrealistic Even With LeBron James News


San Antonio Spurs' Dream Scenario for 2026 Remains Unrealistic Even With LeBron James News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

While there were some big names kicking off free agency this offseason, the San Antonio Spurs signed center Luke Kornet in one of the more celebrated deals of the summer, suggesting that, for the most part, this class is lackluster.

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Of course, depending on how contract extensions fall, the class of 2026 could be loaded, headlined by De'Aa ron Fox, Trae Young, and Luka Doncic. Players will be eligible to sign extensions on August 2, with Fox expected to cement himself long-term in San Antonio, and Doncic is expected to do the same with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After being traded without his permission and LeBron James opting in to his contract, preventing the Lakers from re-signing Dorian Finney-Smith, there is reason to believe that Doncic and the Lakers have less than a perfect marriage, although he is expected to ink his name to a deal this summer.

"The Lakers can offer Doncic a four-year, $229 million extension. Doncic could also opt to sign a three-year, $165 million extension with a player option in 2028, per Marks, which would then allow him to sign a max deal in 2028 that would give him 35% of the salary cap for five seasons," outlined ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Saturday.

That report came out two days before James committed to next season, although that isn't expected to change much, as LA will give Doncic the keys to the franchise, provided that they haven't already.

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"While the exact salary scenario Doncic and the Lakers land on remains to be seen, there's no signs of a split anytime soon," McMenamin continued. "A source close to Doncic told ESPN that Walter's purchase was a positive development."

Spurs fans can dream about a scenario where Doncic returns to Texas, paring up with Victor Wembanyama in the Silver and Black. While the Spurs could save enough money to make him an offer, the chances of him agreeing to play for a third team seem low, and in order to do so, the Spurs would have to not give Fox the extension he has been clearly eager to sign since being traded in February.

All signs po int to Doncic being a rival to Wemby and the Spurs instead of an asset, which, to be fair, should have been the expected outcome all along.

Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.

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Related: New Detail Emerges in San Antonio Spurs' Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo

Related: San Antonio Spurs Release Summer League Roster

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

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