Can JD Gaming stay on top of China during the 2021 LPL season?

JD Gaming achieved unprecedented success throughout 2020, establishing themselves as LPL championship contenders. The critical question now becomes whether they can maintain this elite positioning when two cornerstone players approach free agency.

The organization captured the 2020 LPL Spring Split championship, reached the summer finals, and secured qualification for the 2020 World Championship. This remarkable campaign represented JDG’s most accomplished competitive year to date, setting high expectations for continued dominance.

Their Worlds journey concluded in the quarterfinals against Suning, who advanced to the grand finals before falling to DAMWON Gaming. While elimination by an eventual finalist carries no disgrace, JDG undoubtedly aims to exact retribution during the 2021 competitive season.

Maintaining roster stability becomes paramount for JD Gaming’s continued development. The primary obstacle to continuity involves Korean imports jungler Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok and bot laner Lee “LokeN” Dong-wook, whose contracts expire November 17, creating immediate urgency for management.

Although official announcements remain pending, industry expectations strongly suggest JDG will aggressively pursue contract extensions for both players. Kanavi’s 2020 performance trajectory proved particularly impressive following his challenging LCK tenure with Griffin organization.

Kanavi defied expectations with his LPL resurgence, performing at such an elite level that many analysts considered him the world’s premier jungler entering the World Championship tournament.

LokeN maintains his reputation as JDG’s consistent backbone. While lacking flashy highlight-reel plays, his reliability during critical 2020 LPL matches repeatedly rescued the team from precarious situations. His organizational history includes initial 2017 JDG signing, followed by over a year with Top Esports before returning to JDG. The coming weeks will determine whether he commits long-term or explores superior opportunities across LPL or LCK regions.

Both Korean imports demonstrate clear star potential with substantial room for continued growth. LokeN, at 22 years old, represents the veteran presence, while 20-year-old Kanavi already showcases generational talent at his position.

JD Gaming likely retains its three Chinese-national players: top laner Zhang “Zoom” Xing-Ran, mid laner Zeng “Yagao” Qi, and support Zuo “LvMao” Ming-Hao, as their current agreements extend through the 2022 season.

The financial dynamics of LPL player contracts have escalated dramatically, with top-tier Korean imports commanding premium salaries. JDG must balance financial constraints against competitive ambitions when negotiating with LokeN and Kanavi.

Competitive pressure from rival LPL organizations like Top Esports, Suning, and Invictus Gaming intensifies the retention challenge, as multiple teams possess both the resources and motivation to poach JDG’s stars.

Contract negotiations officially commence November 17, initiating a critical period that will shape JDG’s competitive future.

Industry analysts estimate Kanavi’s re-signing probability at approximately 75%, given his successful integration and JDG’s investment in his development.

LokeN presents a more complex calculation, with potential suitors in both China and Korea likely testing his market value before commitment.

Should either player depart, JDG faces significant roster reconstruction challenges during the abbreviated offseason period between contract expiration and 2021 season commencement.

The LPL’s competitive balance could shift dramatically based on JDG’s retention success, affecting championship odds across the entire league.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Can JD Gaming stay on top of China during the 2021 LPL season? Analyzing JD Gaming's 2021 roster strategy and the critical contract decisions for star players LokeN and Kanavi