On the same day he signed a monumental three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic made another announcement that showcased his heart just as much as his talent. The All-NBA superstar took to X to share a personal mission that goes far beyond basketball: a $5 million commitment to support 77 young athletes around the globe in pursuing their dreams.
“Today I’m also committing $5 million to help 77 young athletes around the world chase their dreams, just like I did. Basketball gave me everything, and I’m lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation.”
The number 77 is no coincidence, it’s the jersey number Doncic has worn since entering the NBA and is now closely tied to his brand and identity.
This pledge isn’t just a gesture; it’s a symbol of his values, legacy, and desire to use his platform for meaningful change. In a summer full of headlines about his record-breaking contract and the Lakers’ pursuit of another championship, Doncic’s philanthropic move is a reminder that greatness isn’t measured only in points or dollars.
Doncic’s initiative comes at a time when he’s establishing deeper roots in Los Angeles, signaling that his commitment to the franchise is matched by a growing commitment to community and impact.
Just hours before his charitable announcement, he officially extended his contract with the Lakers through 2028, a deal that removes him from next summer’s free agency class and sets him up for a projected $417 million supermax in three years. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka called it “a monumental moment for our franchise,” and the fanbase has embraced Doncic as the future of Lakers basketball.
But this $5 million donation reminds everyone that Luka’s story began well before he landed in Los Angeles. A kid from Slovenia who became a Real Madrid prodigy and then an NBA superstar, Doncic knows the power of opportunity.
He understands that behind every professional athlete, there was once a child who just needed a break, access to training, mentorship, gear, or simply belief. Through this new global effort, Luka is hoping to be that catalyst for 77 young athletes.
The program’s details are still emerging, but reports indicate that the funds will be distributed through a combination of scholarships, facility support, mentorship, and direct training assistance for underprivileged youth from different corners of the world.
Whether it’s a rising hooper in Eastern Europe, a young point guard in Africa, or a struggling athlete in the inner cities of the U.S., Doncic’s reach and intention are clear, he wants to empower others to dream as big as he once did.
At only 26, Luka Doncic is already cementing a legacy that extends well beyond basketball courts. He’s not just the future of the Lakers, he’s becoming a global ambassador for sport, character, and hope. And for 77 kids around the world, he’s now the reason they get to keep chasing greatness.
