In an era of superstar team-ups and unprecedented player movement, the idea of uniting three generational talents like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo on a single NBA roster is tantalizing. Yet for the Los Angeles Lakers—a franchise with a history of glitz, glamour, and megastar trios—the dream of assembling this holy trinity is closer to fantasy than reality. The reason? A seemingly insurmountable $500 million problem.
The Financial Cliff
To understand why the Lakers can’t pull this off, one must first grasp the sheer financial magnitude. LeBron James, entering the twilight of his career but still playing at an elite level, is set to command around $50 million annually if he signs an extension or opts into a final deal. Luka Dončić, arguably the most skilled offensive player of his generation, is poised to ink a supermax extension north of $70 million per year when eligible. Giannis, the two-time MVP and a franchise cornerstone, will be earning similarly colossal figures under his current or next extension.
Combine their salaries, and the total payout balloons to nearly $200 million per season—just for three players. Over the life of a four- to five-year deal, the Lakers would be committing around $500 million, not including taxes, role players, or basic operational costs.
The CBA Roadblocks
The NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was designed specifically to curb these types of superstar conglomerations. With the introduction of the second tax apron, teams that exceed the luxury tax by a certain threshold face severe penalties. These include limitations on trades, restrictions on signing buyout players, and even the inability to use mid-level exceptions.
If the Lakers were to sign all three megastars, they’d blow past this second apron. That would leave them with no financial flexibility to build a bench, sign key role players, or even make in-season adjustments. Essentially, the team would be reduced to three stars and a cast of minimum-salary veterans and rookies—hardly a recipe for a sustainable championship run.
Ownership and Luxury Tax Fatigue
Even if the CBA allowed it, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and the team’s front office would face immense pressure to justify the half-billion-dollar investment. The luxury tax bill alone could skyrocket into the hundreds
