Lakers fans can breathe easy because Luka Doncic isn’t going anywhere. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the All-NBA guard is expected to sign a contract extension with Los Angeles as soon as he’s eligible on August 2. The deal could be worth up to $220 million over four years, and based on Luka’s actions this offseason, it’s clear he’s already committed to building a long-term future in L.A.
“There was ownership by Luka this off-season to stamp down that he wants to be part of the Lakers moving forward, and he wants others to join him, so he makes calls Deandre Ayton, the guy who came into the draft with him, as the number one pick. Now, he’s the center for the Lakers. Makes calls to Marcus Smart, needs to fill the point of attack defender spot that Dorian Finney-Smith occupied last year,” said ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think as we look forward, we look at that August 2 date when the Lakers can offer an extension to Luka Doncic worth four years $220 million, up to that figure. I would say if you’re a Laker fan, you shouldn’t have any worry about Luka coming to some sort of extension or agreement with the Lakers, which means he won’t just be in line for next season, won’t just be a Laker for the season after that, but I think at minimum we’re talking about a three year extension.”
Doncic, 26, has a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $48.9 million. Without an extension, he can opt out and join free agency as early as next summer, but that would be a doom scenario for the Lakers, considering what they gave up to get him (Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick).
Fortunately, it seems Doncic is committed to the long haul. While he has yet to sign an official extension, it seems he may have some sort of unspoken agreement with the Lakers that he’ll be ready to sign a new contract next month.
If that wasn’t convincing enough, his recruiting efforts this offseason speak volumes. He had a hand in the acquisitions of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and he’s also spoken up about the ongoing LeBron James saga.
Since his arrival, Doncic has praised the Lakers publicly, and the front office has made clear he’s now the centerpiece of their future. By all accounts, the Lakers are No. 77’s team now, and all signs point to a healthy and long-lasting relationship.
With a three-year deal, Doncic would make a whopping $220 million to pursue the supermax in 2028 or beyond, and it’s a big commitment for the Lakers. Still, for a guy with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 46.8% shooting, he’s worth every penny.
The Lakers made a franchise-altering gamble by handing the keys to Luka Doncic, and early returns are promising. With a new deal on the horizon and the roster shaped in his image, the Lakers may have just secured their next superstar era.
