Los Angeles Lakers` prominent player, Luka Doncic, has finalized a three-year contract extension valued at a maximum of $165 million, which notably includes a player option for 2028. This significant agreement was confirmed by his agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball.
This critical new deal ensures Doncic will not enter free agency next summer, effectively replacing his existing player option for the 2026-27 season with the terms of this new agreement.
By 2028, Doncic could potentially opt out of this current contract and secure an even larger deal, which projects to be a five-year, $417 million agreement based on 35% of the salary cap. This strategic move would allow him to recover earnings he forewent after his trade from the Dallas Mavericks, where he had been eligible to sign a five-year, $315 million supermax extension this summer.
On Saturday, the Lakers publicly confirmed Doncic`s extension, though they did not release the financial details at that time.
In an official statement, Doncic expressed profound gratitude: “I am truly thankful to the Lakers organization, my teammates, and the fans for the immense support and warmth extended to my family and me from the very beginning. This is an exceptional organization, and I have complete faith in our collective vision. My commitment is to continue working tirelessly to deliver another championship to Los Angeles and to fill Laker Nation with pride.”
He added, “This marks just the beginning. I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead and look forward to continuing to build something extraordinary with this team.”
Doncic joined the Lakers six months prior, arriving from the Mavericks in a trade for Anthony Davis, a transaction widely considered one of professional sports` most surprising. Under the leadership of Governor Jeanie Buss, President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, and new owner Mark Walter, the Lakers have cultivated a strong relationship with Doncic, his chief brand officer and business manager Lara Beth Seager, and his agent, Duffy.
During the extension announcement, Pelinka lauded Doncic as “one of basketball`s most transformative talents.”
Pelinka remarked, “Luka is an undeniable force on the court, combining his competitive drive with remarkable generosity and community involvement. Most importantly, Luka is poised to guide our franchise toward future championships, an ambition that perpetually defines the Lakers.”
Last season, in a career-low 50 games spanning his time with both the Mavericks and Lakers, Doncic maintained averages of 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. Following his Lakers debut on February 10, he consistently led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and three-pointers per game.
Beyond his on-court prowess as a five-time first-team All-NBA honoree, Doncic has also exerted considerable influence within the franchise off the court. He played a crucial role in the Lakers` offseason acquisitions of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. Doncic shares a strong rapport with Ayton, who was the top pick in their shared draft class, and personally recruited Smart through multiple calls while managing his family and basketball obligations overseas.
Furthermore, in a recent edition of Men`s Health, Doncic elaborated on the substantial transformations he has made to his physique and fitness regimen.
During his tenure with the Mavericks, Doncic`s physical conditioning had been a recurrent topic. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized this point in his last media address, stressing the necessity for players to achieve “championship shape.”
Individually, Doncic has consistently performed at a championship caliber during the postseason. During the Mavericks` 2024 journey to the Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics, he made history by becoming the first NBA player ever to lead the playoffs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Despite his impressive performance in his inaugural Lakers postseason, where he became only the fifth player in franchise history to average at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a series, Los Angeles was ultimately ousted in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
