Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has swiftly solidified his future with the franchise, agreeing to a significant multi-season contract extension that positions him for an even more colossal deal in the coming years, marking a pivotal moment in NBA basketball news.
The initial agreement between the Lakers and the five-time All-NBA First Team selection is a lucrative three-season, maximum-salaried contract extension, demonstrating the team’s commitment to the talented guard. This current Lakers contract includes a crucial player option for the 2028-29 season, the third year of the deal, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Should Luka Doncic decide to decline this player option, a move widely anticipated for a player of his caliber, he would become eligible to sign an unprecedented five-season, $417 million maximum deal at that juncture, an NBA extension that would re-shape salary expectations across the league.
The immediate value of the 26-year-old guard’s new Lakers contract is projected to be around $160.8 million, assuming the league’s latest 7 percent cap increase projection holds true. However, if the salary cap experiences a more robust 10 percent increase, the deal could potentially escalate to an even more substantial $165.3 million.
This substantial Doncic extension comes on the heels of a contentious midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks, a move that left many fans and analysts stunned. Despite Doncic having led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, General Manager Nico Harrison made the surprising decision to send the prolific star to Los Angeles.
The Dallas Mavericks’ rationale behind shipping off Luka Doncic was reportedly rooted in their desire to avoid inking him to a five-year, $345 million contract extension that summer, a commitment the team was apparently reluctant to make. Concerns regarding Doncic’s long-term fitness, particularly after he missed 32 games in the 2024-25 season due to a calf injury, played a significant role in their decision.
The Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on this opportunity, acquiring Doncic for a relatively modest package that included 10-time All-Stars, young guard Max Christie, and several future draft picks. The Lakers strategically signed him to a shorter-term deal, enabling Doncic to promptly recover some of the financial ground he had seemingly lost.
This landmark Luka Doncic extension not only secures a cornerstone player for the Lakers but also underscores the dynamic nature of NBA contracts and player movement, setting the stage for his continued impact on the league and cementing the team’s championship aspirations.
