Despite early hopes that a new deal would be finalized this summer, Luka Doncic’s contract extension with the Lakers may not come until September. According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, there are multiple reasons behind the delay—including Doncic’s commitment to Slovenia’s national team—and Lakers fans have been advised not to panic if the deal doesn’t get done right away.
“I would not expect it to happen that early,” said Windhorst on NBA Today. “There are various reasons why the timeline would be pushed to September. Don’t react negatively, Lakers fans, if you don’t see a deal right away, he’s playing for the Slovenian national team. Also, it behooves him to take a three-year contract extension. The Lakers can offer 4 and $230, but it makes sense that it would take a three-year extension for long-term reasons. But anything that he would sign would be terrific for the Lakers, they’re going to obviously make that their offseason priority.”
Lakers fans may still be unfamiliar with Luka’s offseason habits, but anyone who followed him in Dallas will tell you this is entirely in character. Typically, when he prepares to suit up for Eurobasket, he puts his NBA business on hold, and that includes any and all extension talks.
“He won the Eurobasket for Slovenia earlier in his career, probably the greatest moment of his career. They play six exhibition games leading up to the start on August 27th. And they could go as late as September 14th, which means he may not be back in the US until late September. McMan will tell you that, in the past, when he’s been playing for the national team, he has not done NBA business, including NBA contracts. So he could certainly pledge his intention to sign with the Lakers, but do not freak out if you do not hear from Luka contractually until September.”
It hasn’t even been a full year since Luka joined the Lakers, but the team is eager to lock in his commitment for the next phase of his career. With his current contract set to expire in 2027 ($48.9 million player option), Doncic could be up for free agency as early as next summer if he doesn’t agree to an extension soon.
While Lakers fans are expecting Doncic to sign a contract before the start of next season, he’s not in any rush to accept a deal, even for the maximum amount of $230 million over four years. Luka is reportedly considering a three-year deal, but any agreement would be a huge win for the Lakers, especially after giving up their championship big man, Anthony Davis, to acquire him in February.
The important thing for the Lakers is that Luka clearly still wants to stay, even if he doesn’t prove it by signing an extension as soon as he can. In this case, the delay is not a sign of tension, just practical timing. If played correctly, it can sweeten the position of both the Lakers and Doncic for the foreseeable future.
Lakers fans may need to wait a bit longer to see the official ink dry, but there’s no reason to panic. Luka Doncic remains committed to both his country and his new NBA home, and all signs indicate that a contract extension is coming—it just might not happen until the summer’s spotlight dims and Slovenia wraps its Olympic campaign.
