Luka Doncic is on the path to signing the largest contract in NBA history worth $418 million, and it all hinges on a strategic timeline that will maximize his earnings.
After being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic lost his immediate eligibility for the five-year, $346 million supermax extension he would have been able to sign in Dallas. But if he plays his cards right, he could still set a new financial record in just a few years.
The key to Luka Doncic securing the biggest deal in NBA history lies in signing a two-year extension with the Lakers this August. Doing so would keep him under contract until the 2028 offseason.
By then, Doncic will have completed 10 seasons in the NBA, making him eligible for the full 35% supermax extension with his new team. This deal is projected to be worth around $418 million over five years, based on the expected 10% annual cap increases.
For now, Doncic remains on his existing five-year, $215 million contract, which averages $43 million per season. If he chooses to extend with the Lakers in 2025, he would likely sign a shorter three-year, $165 million deal to bridge the gap until he qualifies for the supermax.
While this means the Lakers are getting a relative discount on their new superstar, it also positions Doncic to cash in at a historic level once he becomes eligible.
This entire situation is a direct result of NBA contract rules, which dictate that supermax extensions can only be signed with the team a player originally signed their rookie extension with.
Since Doncic was traded to Los Angeles, he now has to wait until he reaches 10 years of NBA service to be eligible for the full supermax. Had he stayed in Dallas, he could have signed it as soon as this summer.
Despite the financial implications of the trade, Doncic remains committed to finding success in Los Angeles. However, his first few games with the Lakers have been far from ideal. He is averaging just 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 35.6% shooting from the field and a concerning 20.8% from three-point range.
While these struggles are somewhat expected given his recent injury and the adjustment to a new team, they serve as a reminder that even generational talents need time to find their rhythm in a different system.
Once Doncic shakes off the rust, the Lakers expect him to return to the elite form that made him an MVP-caliber player in Dallas. His ability to rack up 30-point triple-doubles and dominate games will be crucial as the team looks to integrate him alongside LeBron James and their evolving roster.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ front office understands that Doncic is the future of their franchise. His looming record-breaking contract is not just about individual earnings—it also represents Los Angeles’ long-term commitment to building around their newest superstar. If all goes as planned, Doncic will rewrite NBA history by securing the biggest deal the league has ever seen.
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