Luka Doncic is the most important piece in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ plans for the future. However, with the season coming to an end and a looming contract extension on the table, Doncic remained non-committal about his future with the team.
Doncic is due for a contract extension with the Lakers in August. While discussing the extension and addressing his future with the team, the guard said: “I didn’t think it yet. I’ve been more focused on basketball, so obviously this is the time, now, to think about everything.”
However, the star guard had some positive things to say about his experience with the team and the city as well.
“It’s been great, honestly,” said Doncic, while addressing his short time in Los Angeles since being traded. “The way the fans accepted me, it’s been amazing. The way the community has accepted me has been amazing, so I’m really glad that I’m here. I had a great couple of months.”
Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles was marked by shock. The blockbuster trade saw the Slovenian arrive in exchange for a champion in Anthony Davis. Although there were concerns about how he would adapt to the team, the 5x All-Star assimilated into the team almost effortlessly.
The 26-year-old superstar is presented as the future face of the franchise. With his versatile offensive skill set, it is evident that the Lakers found their replacement for LeBron James, should the aging star opt to retire in the offseason. However, Doncic’s lack of commitment to being a part of this future isn’t out of the realm of the ordinary.
Most players don’t comment on such matters until free agency begins. Considering that the Lakers also just saw their postseason run fail, there was no reason for Doncic to express anything more.
Doncic is due to earn approximately $228.6 million if he decides to sign a four-year deal with the Lakers. Because Dallas has Doncic’s bird rights, the Lakers can’t offer the Slovenian a five-year supermax deal. Regardless, he stands to earn a rather hefty sum over the next few years.
Here are the contract options for Luka.
Despite the super max extension off the table, Doncic should actually make more in the long run.
Important to note that if Doncic does not sign an extension in August, the financial playing field in what the Lakers can offer and a team… pic.twitter.com/wMJRHWY9pH
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 2, 2025
Investing in Doncic for the future appears to be the most logical bet at this point in time. The 26-year-old recorded an average of 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in the regular season. Meanwhile, he put up an average of 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the playoffs.
Although the team came up short against the Minnesota Timberwolves, there are a lot of positive takeaways that the Lakers can hope to build upon and cultivate in the upcoming season.
Apart from Doncic’s contract extension, the Lakers will also have concerns on their table heading into the offseason. With James contemplating retirement and glaring roster issues, the Purple and Gold will have their work cut out for them if they hope to be perceived as contenders next season.
