Last Updated:
Luka Doncic agreed to a three-year, $165M extension with the Lakers, securing his future through 2027–28. Doncic, from the Mavericks, is now key alongside LeBron James.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers’s Luka Doncic (AP)
Luka Doncic has agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, locking in his future with the franchise and forgoing the opportunity to enter free agency next summer.
The extension secures the Slovenian star’s services through the 2027–28 season, eliminating a player option he held for 2026–27 under his previous deal.
A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the contract terms to the Associated Press on Saturday, speaking anonymously because the Lakers have not publicly disclosed contract details.
“Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud,” Doncic shared on social media.
“Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates, and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning.”
From Blockbuster Trade to Long-Term Pillar
Doncic arrived in Los Angeles via one of the NBA’s biggest mid-season trades in recent memory, when the Lakers shocked the league in February by acquiring him from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Since his move, Doncic has quickly become a central figure in the Lakers’ lineup, forming a potent one-two punch with LeBron James. In 31 games with Los Angeles last season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.7 rebounds, helping the Lakers secure 50 wins and finish third in the Western Conference.
Although the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Minnesota, Doncic’s performance and leadership during that stretch helped cement his role as the Lakers’ future franchise cornerstone.
Doncic’s commitment signals his growing confidence in the Lakers’ direction. This offseason, he played a key role in the franchise’s successful recruitment of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, persuading both veterans to join the team in its bid for championship contention.
His influence off the court reflects his expanding leadership within the organization, and the front office has made clear they’re building around his talents in the post-LeBron era.
The move to Los Angeles also appears to have rejuvenated Doncic personally and professionally.
Reports from his time in Dallas had raised concerns about his conditioning and long-term commitment — issues that, according to multiple insiders, contributed to his unexpected departure.
Since landing in LA, Doncic has been dedicated to a rigorous offseason training regimen, silencing critics and demonstrating a new level of professionalism. His teammates and coaches have praised his approach, noting his focus and determination to elevate the team to championship status.
Looking Ahead: The LeBron–Luka Era Continues
Doncic’s extension coincides with LeBron James preparing to begin his record-setting 23rd NBA season, with both stars set to lead what now appears to be one of the league’s most formidable rosters.
(with AP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
view comments
Read More
