Luka Doncic`s recent arrival in New York City marked a significant turning point, as it was the first time the superstar had cut short his European summer break to return to the U.S. prior to training camp, according to sources close to him. Initially, the trip was framed as a promotional tour for the Jordan Brand, featuring Doncic`s visits to Yankee Stadium with Aaron Judge, followed by stops in Chicago and Los Angeles. However, the tour quickly evolved into a public display of the 26-year-old`s impressive physical transformation and a clear signal that Los Angeles would be his long-term home, following his surprising trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers on February 1st.
Sources indicate that Doncic plans to formally sign a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers on Saturday, the earliest day permissible for the franchise to make such an offer. The agreement includes a player option for the third year. Just three months after his initial playoff run with the Lakers ended prematurely (a five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves), Doncic`s dedication to his diet and significant body transformation, even gracing the cover of Men`s Health, served as a powerful declaration. It underscored his commitment to the improvements he had emphasized during his final press conference after the first-round elimination.
Doncic had previously stated, “Everyone needs to improve. We have a long summer ahead, and we should concentrate on what we can enhance as a team and individually.” This statement now appears to be a prelude to his role in guiding the Lakers into their next chapter. With Doncic`s commitment secured, fulfilling the Lakers` top offseason objective, we delve into three key questions concerning his first full season in Los Angeles.
Why Sign for Three Years Instead of Four?
According to NBA insider Bobby Marks, the Lakers could have offered Doncic a maximum four-year, $229 million contract. Given he already missed out on a five-year, $345 million supermax deal by leaving Dallas (not to mention tax implications between California and Texas), why would he forgo an additional $64 million? The answer lies in the 2+1 extension structure, which allows Doncic to become an unrestricted free agent in either 2028 or 2029, by which time he will have accumulated 10 years of league service. With an annual salary cap projection of 10% from Marks, Doncic is poised for another massive contract. The Lakers will have the option to renegotiate his deal in the summer of 2027, potentially offering a four-year, $323 million extension. Alternatively, if Doncic plays out his two guaranteed years and declines his 2028-29 player option, he could sign a five-year extension around his 29th birthday, potentially worth $418 million. This unprecedented deal could make him the first player in league history to earn an $80 million annual salary, equating to nearly $1 million per game, with the final year alone possibly reaching $95 million – a significant sum for the cornerstone of a multi-billion dollar franchise.
What Are Doncic`s Expectations for the Upcoming Season?
Doncic initially struggled to process his trade from Dallas. He had envisioned a career mirroring Dirk Nowitzki`s, retiring as a Maverick, especially having never considered a trade as a possibility since starting his professional journey with Real Madrid, where such moves are rare. However, once the initial shock wore off, sources indicate Doncic`s focus returned to a `win-now` mentality, characteristic of his final days in Dallas. Despite his long-term commitment to the Lakers, Doncic anticipates annual championship contention. His offseason fitness and involvement in recruiting players like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart underscore this urgency. He approaches this with a collaborative spirit. Following a May dinner with Lakers President Rob Pelinka, General Manager JJ Redick, and Doncic`s business manager Lara Beth Seager, Doncic gained insight into the team`s financial situation, while the Lakers better understood his aspirations.
“I don`t want to wait,” Doncic reportedly stated. “I`ve experienced the Finals, and I`m determined to return. Let`s act now.”
Pelinka and Redick utilized this meeting to discuss future cap space, draft assets (both owned and unowned), and collective strategies. Doncic was encouraged to describe the ideal player types needed for the roster – such as a pick-and-pop specialist, a defensive anchor, or a rim protector – enabling the Lakers to target suitable acquisitions.
How Do the Lakers Feel?
The Lakers` sentiment can be summarized as `excited,` according to a team insider. The organization`s immediate goals align perfectly with Doncic`s, and indeed, with LeBron James`s. A Lakers source confirmed, “This team is driven by the desire to win championships, and that ambition remains constant.” Although the Lakers` reluctance to offer Dorian Finney-Smith a contract beyond 2027 (which led him to the Houston Rockets) might suggest they are hoarding cap space for a future star, a team source clarifies their strategy is purely about maintaining flexibility, not pursuing a specific high-profile free agent. While players like Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo would undoubtedly enhance the roster, the true objective is to maximize adaptability for strategic shifts – whether driven by emergent needs or unforeseen opportunities – each season, all while sustaining championship aspirations. As one Lakers source articulated, `Lack of optionality leads to stagnation.` Securing Doncic`s commitment was paramount from the moment the Lakers traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick to acquire him. With this achieved, the new era of Lakers basketball officially commences.
