Luka Doncic is on the cusp of a pivotal career decision, with the Los Angeles Lakers poised to offer him a significant contract extension on August 2nd. This potential agreement marks a critical juncture for both the superstar guard and the storied Lakers franchise, signaling a strategic commitment to their future vision. The basketball world eagerly anticipates the specifics of this new NBA contract, which could solidify Doncic’s place as the cornerstone of the Lakers’ evolving dynasty.
The widely anticipated outcome involves Doncic agreeing to a three-year, $160.8 million extension. This particular structure is designed to align with his long-term financial strategy, enabling him to reach ten years of service in the league. Upon achieving this milestone, Doncic would then be eligible for an even more lucrative supermax deal, commanding 35% of the NBA salary cap, a substantial increase from the current 30% maximum the Lakers can now offer.
Los Angeles cannot match the five-year, $346 million supermax that the Dallas Mavericks were eligible to offer. Reports indicate Dallas ownership hesitated at that figure, partly due to concerns regarding Doncic’s conditioning. However, the Lakers’ most substantial proposal currently stands at four years and $224.9 million, a figure general manager Rob Pelinka is prepared to present. This amount is slightly lower than previously projected due to a revised NBA salary cap forecast, now expected to rise only 7% next season instead of the initial 10%.
Despite the financial disparities between potential offers, all signs point to Doncic signing with the Lakers. The franchise has demonstrably begun building their future around the Slovenian phenom, a strategic shift that places LeBron James in an unprecedented role within his illustrious career. Doncic has openly expressed admiration for the Lakers organization since his trade and actively contributed to their recruitment efforts, successfully bringing Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart into the fold.
The proposed three-year, $160.8 million deal (two guaranteed years plus a player option in the final year) offers Doncic both financial gain and future flexibility. This structure allows him to opt out after three seasons, at which point he will have accumulated the requisite ten years of service. This eligibility then opens the door for him to secure a five-year max contract with the Lakers or a four-year deal with another franchise, depending on his career trajectory and team satisfaction.
While speculation has circulated about Doncic potentially signing a four-year maximum contract immediately, such an arrangement seems less probable unless it incorporates player options after just two years. The current three-year framework appears to be the most advantageous for the player, optimizing his earning potential by aligning his next eligibility for a higher percentage of the salary cap with his prolonged service in the league. This strategic move ensures his long-term financial security.
Other less likely scenarios include Doncic signing a two-year deal (one guaranteed plus a player option), a strategy that would grant him more immediate leverage over the Lakers. However, the prevailing expectation remains that he will prioritize locking in max money until he achieves the ten-year service threshold. The objective is clear: maximize earnings and control his destiny in the long run.
Regardless of the exact terms, Doncic is widely expected to formalize his commitment to the Lakers. He is currently in the United States on a Jordan Brand shoe tour, with the signing anticipated this weekend. His return to Slovenia by August 4th to prepare for EuroBasket with his national team suggests a swift resolution. Should the deal not be inked before his departure, it will likely be finalized in September, but its eventual signing is considered a foregone conclusion.
