Luka Doncic’s commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers was met with a grand celebration worthy of a superstar. Just hours after putting pen to paper on a three-year, $165 million contract extension that ties him to the franchise through 2028, the Lakers’ new cornerstone was surprised with a very personal and unforgettable gift: a night with his favorite boy band, the Backstreet Boys.
The mastermind behind the surprise was none other than new Lakers majority owner Mark Walter. In a move that exemplified the franchise’s effort to make Doncic feel like family, Walter arranged for Luka and his close-knit circle of teammates and staff to attend the Backstreet Boys’ concert at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Mark Walter and Jeannie Buss took Luka Doncic and a few of his teammates to Las Vegas to celebrate his contract renewal. pic.twitter.com/CXG8C4sc2I
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) August 3, 2025
The evening was designed not just as a celebration of a financial milestone, but as a gesture of appreciation for the Slovenian star’s trust and loyalty.
Luka Dončić enyoing Backstreet Boys concert 🎤
TikTok/Marissa Torrez pic.twitter.com/eTSgZlQoN8
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) August 3, 2025
Doncic had hinted in interviews that a surprise event was planned, but admitted he had no idea what was coming. The moment he walked into the venue and saw his childhood idols on stage, the grin on his face said it all.
Accompanied by head coach JJ Redick, GM Rob Pelinka, and teammates including Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Jarred Vanderbilt, Luka was front and center enjoying every second.
A backstage meeting with the band took the moment to another level, highlighted by a viral clip of Brian Littrell standing on a table just to meet Luka at eye level, which the Backstreet Boys humorously captioned on Instagram.
A backstreet boy and Luka Dončić 😆
IG/backstreetboys pic.twitter.com/ym9JU2Ofld
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) August 3, 2025
This celebration was more than just fanfare. It was a symbolic welcome from a franchise that sees Luka not just as the present, but as the future. After being traded to the Lakers earlier this year in a blockbuster move, Doncic quickly embraced the culture, fans, and vision of the team.
His extension effectively removes him from the 2026 free agency pool and sets him up for a potential five-year, $417 million supermax deal in 2028, the richest in NBA history.
The concert outing underscores the Lakers’ commitment to building an environment that nurtures loyalty and long-term vision. For a team entering a transitional era with LeBron James likely nearing the end of his career, securing Doncic’s services long-term was paramount.
In turn, Doncic has already taken the reins of leadership, recruiting Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart this offseason while transforming his body in the gym, all signs that he’s locked in on Banner No. 18.
With a rejuvenated roster, a superstar in his prime, and a new ownership group willing to go the extra mile, the Lakers have positioned themselves to make a serious championship run. Doncic’s extension wasn’t just a deal; it was a statement.
And the Backstreet Boys concert? The perfect harmony to begin a new championship chorus in Los Angeles.
